Preliminary clinical evaluation of a video transmission system for home visits.

A portable video transmission system based on a hand-held computer and cellular telephone was developed for use with patients undergoing rehabilitation at home. It was designed to be simple to operate, for use by nurses on home care visits. The whole system can be held in one hand, and video pictures can be recorded and transmitted with the touch of a few buttons. The quality of the transmitted pictures and the feasibility of the system were clinically evaluated by physical therapists and nurses. Three image transmission scenes were used to evaluate the system: turning over in bed; walking; and raising and lowering a shoulder. Nurses reported that the system was easy to carry and simple to use. Physiotherapists found the system to be useful in making a judgement about the patient's condition. The patients were all enthusiastic about the system. The increased interaction had the effect of improving the patients' desire to continue their in-home rehabilitation.