Eight Albury Wodonga Health stroke patients have been assessed via telehealth by a neuropsychologist in Melbourne as part of a new project, with many more to follow.
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The tele-neuropsychology in stroke rehabilitation project was first piloted in Echuca in 2016, and its introduction to three more services was launched to coincide with Stroke Week.
With Safer Care Victoria funding, a clinical hub at Monash University can now set up teleconferences with Albury Wodonga Health, Northeast Health Wangaratta and La Trobe Hospital.
Albury Wodonga Health treats about 250 people annually for stroke with 50 to 60 requiring rehabilitation at the Wodonga campus.
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Stroke unit co-ordinator Vanessa Crosby said a weekly teleconference with neuropsychologists like April Philpott ensured more of those people would be assessed for cognitive changes.
"Only about 50 per cent of the patients with stroke are getting psychological assessment, and it's really important they get psychological as well as physical rehab.
"This is addressing that gap."
While telehealth has been used in acute stroke care, this is the first time it's being used in rehabilitation.
Dr Philpott said the technology was a crucial aspect.
"It means rural patients have equal access to a patient in Melbourne," she said.
"We know a lot of stroke patients do have changes in their thinking, in their behaviour and their mood and emotions.
"The physical changes from a stroke are really obvious, and it often takes a bit more assessment to pick up on the cognitive changes to memory, attention and problem-solving which have a big impact on people's day-to-day lives.
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"There's so many stroke wards around Victoria and the country ... it would be exciting to see it become available to all patients."
Project officer for Albury Wodonga Health, Jacqueline Jones, said it would continue until April.
"Hopefully it can be funded on an ongoing basis," she said.
Principal investigator Rene Stolwyk joined the launch via teleconference and said he was "struck by the enthusiasm and quality of rehabilitation ward" at AWH.