Projects

Improving Mobility via Exoskeletons (IMOVE) – Implementing wearable robotic exoskeleton use across the continuum of rehabilitation care, from hospital to community

Project Categories

Care Continuum

Technology

Platform

National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals

Cluster

National University Health System

31 December 2022

Implement Robotic Exoskeleton Training (RET) across rehabilitation settings and assess its effectiveness and manpower. RET was adopted successfully by 4 organizations (5 sites); further workflow modifications planned for additional adoption.

Year Submitted: 2022
Published Date: 31 December 2022

Tags: Technology, Care Continuum, Digital Health, Tele-Rehabilitation, Assistive Technology, Robotics, Rehabilitative Care

About this Content

Aims

Implement Robotic Exoskeleton Training (RET) across rehabilitation settings and assess its effectiveness and manpower efficiency.

Background

Rehabilitation for stroke survivors is labour-intensive, with 80% having impaired mobility and 50% experiencing long-term deficits.

Methods

Conducted 12 RET sessions across 6 organizations with 8 sites; collected clinical outcomes and patient feedback.

Results

RET improved mobility (COVS improvement 18.9 vs 14.1, p = 0.028); increased steps taken during therapy (p < 0.001); patient satisfaction rating was 5.8/7.

Conclusion

RET was adopted successfully by 4 organizations (5 sites); further workflow modifications planned for additional adoption.

Lessons Learnt

Centres must meet baseline requirements (staff, interdisciplinary support, and space) to implement RET effectively; smaller centres faced high opportunity costs.

Additional Information

2022 National HIP – Best Adoption Medal

Keywords

Robotic Exoskeleton Training, Stroke Rehabilitation, Mobility, Interdisciplinary Care, Technology

Innovators' Details

Healthcare Cluster(s)	National University Health System
Organization(s) Involved	Alexandra Hospital, St Luke Hospital, NTUC Health, St Luke ElderCare, Jurong Community Hospital
Platform(s)	National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
Healthcare Professional Group(s)	Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Medical
Applicable Specialty or Discipline	Physiotherapy
Project Lead(s)	Effie Chew
Project Member(s)	Nur Shafawati Kamsani Suresh Ramaswamy Yap Thian Yong Alexis Lau Jean Tan Lui Yook Cing Qiu Wenjing Tang Ning Evania Wong

Connect with this contributor!

Effie Chew - effie_chew@nuhs.edu.sg

Project Attachment

C_269_AH_NHIP_2022_Improving_Mobility_Via_Exoskeletons_IMOVE.pdf