The Development of iA CuffLink for Rotator Cuff Repair Telerehabilitation

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? A Delphi study was used to identify consensus in rehabilitation, informatic needs, and interface modalities for postoperative RCR patients using the iA CuffLink mHealth system. Participants in our pilot evaluation were generally pleased with the ease of use, information arrangement and usefulness of CuffLink as a telerehabilitation system. What is the implication of the main finding? These findings enhance our understanding of the informatics and usability needs in telerehabilitation systems and offer a solution for adopting technology in the early stages of postoperative RCR rehabilitation. Proper rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair (RCR) is necessary for successful postoperative outcomes, though the average course of physical therapy (PT) is lengthy and costly. The goals of this study were to (1) develop exercise programs for the CuffLink mHealth system and (2) evaluate early prototype efforts at meeting the needs of RCR clients. A panel of 24 clinicians participated in a Delphi study to identify consensus in rehabilitation, key informatic needs, and appropriate interface modalities for client usage. Utilizing the Delphi findings, the iA CuffLink mHealth system was developed, and a pilot evaluation assessed the feasibility and usability of CuffLink through the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ). During the pilot evaluation, the overall MAUQ score was 6.14. All participants (n = 18) viewed messaging the care team and a real time rep counter as “important” or “very important”. All participants either agreed or strongly agreed that quantifying progress would help motivate them to be compliant, and that the app helped them achieve their recovery outcomes compared to the shoulder device alone. Participants were generally pleased with the ease of use, information arrangement, and usefulness of CuffLink. These findings can advance our understanding of the informatics and usability needs in telerehabilitation systems.