Implementation of Cognitive Telerehabilitation during COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE(S): The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effectiveness of implementing cognitive telerehabilitation during the Coronavirus pandemic. DATA SOURCES: This review was conducted using the following databases: Taylor & Francis, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ProQuest Central. Inclusion criteria consisted of peer-reviewed articles published in English between the years of 2017-2021. Keywords for the search included cognitive telerehabilitation, pandemic, COVID-19, and Coronavirus. A total number of 17 articles were reviewed, and 6 articles were retained. STUDY SELECTION: Literature Review. DATA EXTRACTION: Independent extraction by multiple observers. DATA SYNTHESIS: Research indicated that cognitive telerehabilitation was an effective modality for individuals with neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndromes, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, reviewed literature reported that remote communication technologies can be effective options to support health care interventions, including cognitive rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted access to routine medical care for many individuals with neurological diseases. Overall, studies indicated that cognitive telerehabilitation was an effective modality in neurorehabilitation as it overcame both geographical and social-distancing limitations. Moreover, methodological and technological improvements may improve the delivery of cognitive telerehabilitation for individuals with reduced mobility. New alternatives such as cognitive telerehabilitation may be implemented as an urgent and effective response to provide continuity of care and social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic. AUTHOR(S) DISCLOSURES: N/A.