EBP Compendium: Summary of Clinical Practice Guideline

A Review of the Evidence for the Use of Telemedicine Within Stroke Systems of Care: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association
Schwamm, L. H., Holloway, R. G., et al. (2009).
Stroke, 40(7), 2616-2634.

AGREE Rating: Highly Recommended

Description:

This guideline provides recommendations for the use of telemedicine with individuals with stroke. This statement is relevant to a variety of professionals working with stroke patients. Levels of evidence are provided. Level A evidence is based on findings from multiple populations and/or derived from multiple randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses. Level B evidence is based on findings from limited populations and/or derived from a single randomized trial or nonrandomized studies. Level C evidence is based on findings from very limited populations and/or only consensus opinion of experts, case studies, or standards of care.

Recommendations:

• Service Delivery
• Setting
• Telerehabilitation - “Assessment of occupational, physical, or speech disabilities in stroke patients by allied health professionals via [high-quality videoteleconferencing (HQ-VTC )] systems using specific standardized assessments is recommended when in-person assessment is impractical, the standardized rating instruments have been validated for HQ-VTC use, and administration is by trained personnel using a structured interview” (Class 1, Level of Evidence B) (p. 2629) .

Keywords: Stroke; Telepractice

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Added to Compendium: November 2011