Chapter 1: Terminologies and Definitions
Chapter 1 - “Terminologies and Definitions” aims to introduce you to relevant terms of the DIRENE project and this Handbook. The following section presents definitions of technologies used in digital rehabilitation. The DIRENE consortium developed these definitions through a Delphi process, according to relevant sources (Kidritsch, 2023). The definitions reflect the understanding of the DIRENE consortium:
Digital Rehabilitation (DR)
Digital Rehabilitation (DR) is the use of digital technologies (by rehabilitation professionals or self-driven clients) as part of the rehabilitation process in its different phases (diagnostic/assessment, goal-setting, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation). Digital Rehabilitation aims to optimise functioning and reduce the disabilities of individuals in interaction with their environment. Therefore, Digital Rehabilitation has a strong link with the empowerment of individuals and communities. This can include, but is not limited to, the use of tele- and remote rehabilitation applications and services, automatic services, robot-assisted technologies, wearable physical activity trackers, emails, videos, speech and text messaging solutions (adapted from WHO, 2023).
eAccessibility
eAccessibility means overcoming the technical barriers and difficulties that people with disabilities and others experience, when trying to participate on equal terms in the information society. eAccessibility is part of a broader eInclusion concept, which also addresses other types of barriers, such as financial, geographical, or educational barriers (Commission of the European Communities, 2005).
Electronic Health (eHealth)
Electronic Health (eHealth) refers to the use of telecommunication and digital technologies (e.g., computers, the Internet, mobile devices) to facilitate, deliver, and enhance health and social care services and/or health improvement (adapted from Eysenbach, 2001).
Mobile Health (mHealth)
Mobile Health (mHealth) is the medical and public health practices supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, client monitoring devices, and personal digital assistants (adapted from WHO, 2011).
Telerehabilitation (TR)
Telerehabilitation (TR) refers to the remote delivery of rehabilitation via a variety of technologies and encompasses a range of rehabilitation services that include assessment/diagnostic, monitoring, intervention, and evaluation (adapted from Brennan et al., 2010).
Usability
Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy-to-use user interfaces are. The word “usability” also refers to methods for improving ease of use during the design process (Nielsen, 2012).
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