Telehealth rehabilitation for adults with cochlear implants in response to the Covid-19 pandemic: platform selection and case studies

Effective information giving and goal setting before cochlear implantation and individualised rehabilitation following implantation are both crucial for shaping patients’ expectations and optimising outcomes. The Covid-19 pandemic led to temporary cessation of face to face clinic appointments. This created a need for telehealth rehabilitation for adults whose hearing loss presents unique communication challenges.
We describe the piloting and implementation of telehealth rehabilitation within an adult cochlear implant service.
Video conferencing and telehealth tools were assessed in terms of security, accessibility and functionality. Written support materials were developed. Telehealth sessions were piloted with lay volunteers. During service implementation, feedback was collected from patients and staff.
A video call platform was identified that was supported by the host Trust and also met the rehabilitation service’s needs. A telehealth service was successfully implemented, ensuring continuity of care during lockdown. We share the platform selection framework used, practical lessons learned and patient support materials.
.Telehealth rehabilitation facilitated a well-received, effective service for adult cochlear implant patients. It is predicted that the benefits of telehealth rehabilitation will last beyond the lockdown restrictions posed by Covid-19.

人工耳蜗植入（Cochlear Implantation）术前的有效信息告知与目标设定，以及术后的个性化康复，均对塑造患者预期、优化治疗结局至关重要。
新冠疫情（COVID-19 Pandemic）导致线下门诊暂时停摆，这为存在独特沟通障碍的听力损失成人群体带来了远程医疗康复（Telehealth Rehabilitation）的迫切需求。
本研究详述了成人人工耳蜗诊疗服务中远程医疗康复的试点与落地实施流程。
团队从安全性、可及性与功能性三个维度对视频会议及远程医疗工具进行评估，并编制了书面支持材料；随后招募非专业志愿者开展远程医疗康复疗程的试点工作；在服务正式落地阶段，同步收集了患者与医护人员的反馈意见。
最终选定了由主办医疗信托机构支持且契合康复服务需求的视频通话平台，远程医疗康复服务顺利落地，保障了疫情封控期间的医疗照护连续性。本研究同时分享了所采用的平台遴选框架、实践经验教训与患者支持材料。
远程医疗康复为成人人工耳蜗植入患者打造了广受好评且高效的服务。研究预计，远程医疗康复的优势将延续至新冠疫情封控措施解除之后。