TeleRehaB Decision Support System (DSS)
TeleRehaB DSS is an international research and innovation programme developing AI-enabled telerehabilitation solutions to improve access to rehabilitation for people experiencing balance problems due to stroke, vestibular conditions and long COVID.
Background
Balance problems causing falls are one of the most common complications after strokes, with up to 73% of people who have had a stroke experiencing a significant fall within one year. Falls related to balance issues are often also associated with other conditions causing changes in cognitive ability such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). These falls can cause physical injury, especially in older people, and may lead to the loss of self-confidence and depression.
Balance physiotherapy is a key intervention for falls prevention, but access to specialist falls prevention services is limited in many countries due to lack of appropriately trained clinicians and the complexity of effectively diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of the condition.
The TeleRehaB DSS project uses AI technology to make balance physiotherapy more available to non-specialist practitioners, through the introduction of guided diagnostic tools and personalised intervention-selection aids. These interventions are then delivered in the patient’s own home, with an Augmented Reality (AR) “physiotherapist” guiding the patient through a tailored rehabilitation programme.
More about the team
Digital Transformation Team
To accelerate the adoption of evidence-based innovations that improve access to mental health support, recovery, and prevention across all ages and demographics in South London.
Project Partners
Project overview
HIN joins the international consortium
TeleRehaB Decision Support System (DSS) is an international research and innovation programme. It develops AI-enabled telerehabilitation solutions to improve access to rehabilitation for people experiencing balance problems due to stroke, vestibular conditions and long COVID.
Funded by Innovate UK, the Health Innovation Network South London joined the consortium in 2022, bringing expertise in the spread and adoption of healthcare innovation, stakeholder engagement, implementation and market access. The consortium includes leading academic, clinical and innovation partners across Europe and Asia, including University College London, London; King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand; the National University of Athens, Greece; and Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Germany.
Health Innovation Network joins international consortium harnessing AI and augmented reality for clinical rehabilitation
TeleRehaB DSS Patient and Carer event
In July, the Health Innovation Network hosted the TeleRehaB Patient and Carer event in London, bringing together patients, carers and international researchers to test and provide feedback on a range of (AR) rehabilitation technologies designed to support people with balance issues.
Attendees explored the TeleRehaB system and shared valuable insights on their experience using the technology. This feedback is now helping to shape the next stage of development, with suggestions already leading to improvements such as updated mobile app designs. The event highlighted the value of involving patients and carers throughout the innovation process, helping to ensure that new technologies are accessible, user-friendly and meet real-world needs.
“The mobile phone app was easy to use. The functions were easy to understand and intuitive”
“The headset and sensors would be fun and motivating”
“The games were very interesting, and there is lots of scope for spending longer than the allotted time on some of the games”
Participants of the patient and carer event
Market Access Report
The Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London) coordinated a series of focus groups to shape the development of the project and the market access report. The TeleRehaB DSS Market Access Report provides a strategic overview of the telerehabilitation market across five key European countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. It examines how demographic trends, healthcare system pressures, and technological innovation are shaping the adoption of digital rehabilitation tools, including virtual reality (VR)-based solutions.
Health and care market profiles were also produced as part of this work, illustrating the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for each of the countries, as well as summaries of three key clinical areas with rehabilitation needs across Europe: stroke, long COVID, and vestibular disorders.
Project outputs
5
Clinical sites: UCL (UK), UKLFR (Germany), NKUA (Greece), SRS/IDEA (Portugal/Madeira), and KCMH (Thailand) were involved in a clinical trial.
21
Clustering events, focus groups, and public demonstrations were hosted by the team.
5
Workshops were delivered by the HIN and a market access review.
7
Peer-reviewed publications have been accepted and presented at 41 International Conferences.
80+
Patients and carers were engaged during the HIN-led focus group sessions.
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