The importance of monitoring and obtaining accurate data. Interview with Francisco Nilo

Continuing with the series of testimonials from fellow professionals who are exploiting the possibilities of new technologies for rehabilitation, today we interview Francisco Nilo.

Francisco is an occupational therapist, graduated from the University of Chile, with a long career and specialization in hand pathologies.

Among other positions, he has been Head of the Occupational Therapy Unit of the Rehabilitation Service of Hospital de Castro and Clinical Tutor of Professional Practice at the Universidad Austral de Chile.

Tell us about yourself and your professional profile

“I live in the south of Chile, in a very quiet place, where I have a minimalist routine focused on my family and sports. I have been dedicated for 7 years to the rehabilitation of people with upper limb pathologies; hands and fingers mainly, both of occupational and sporting nature”.

You have been working with the ReHand digital tool for several months now. In which cases have you been able to use this Telerehabilitation System?

“In almost most of the patients with wrist, hand and finger pathologies, since it is a resource that I consider basic for rehabilitation together with some other elements”.

Write us to learn about the pathologies you can treat with ReHand!

The latest scientific evidence advocates the use of adherence promotion strategies along with exercise programs prescription. How do you think it impact monitoring your patients remotely?

“It impacts in a positive way as it is a user-friendly strategy to be able to monitor the activity that each patient is doing autonomously at home. With just a few steps it is possible to observe which days the person has been exercising, the frequency and which exercises they have been perfoming. All in all, it’s very convenient without even having to get the information directly from the person. The app gives it to you.”

It is a good example to show how new technologies have infinite possibilities to help us in our clinical practice. Does telerehabilitation also contribute to the doctor/physio/occupational therapist-patient relationship?

“Continuing with the previous answer I think monitoring the patient contributes positively to the relationship with him/her because they feel concerned for the rehabilitation process. On the other hand, there are already studies that have shown that a good rehabilitation program via telematics has nothing to envy a face-to-face program. So that during the pandemic it has been an excellent way to continue helping patients’ recovery processes.

Likewise, there are cases of patients who in their cities or localities do not have a hand therapist who can attend them in a pertinent way, so telerehabilitation can even be a solution to the lack of professionals in the area”.

Do you think it is important to be able to monitor and obtain accurate data on the patient’s recovery process?

“Sure, we can’t stop thinking that assessments both at the beginning, the end, and during rehabilitation are fundamental elements to know where we have to go navigating. So that, having validated assessment instruments such as DASH questionnaire is a fundamental tool.”

And changing perspective completely, let’s look at that of the individual seeking help for an ailment, the patient. What do your patients think about using ReHand in their treatments?

“From what they have told me, they find it great to be able to use technology as a therapeutic tool and on the other hand they find it practical to be able to exercise from a tablet, in a place and time that they find relevant within their daily routine.”

Would you recommend using the ReHand Digital Tool?

“Of course, I would! There are a few elements that I already consider essential in hand therapy and without a doubt, ReHand is one of those.

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