Telehealth Care for Stroke
(VIRTUAL Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new telehealth approach to manage blood pressure after a stroke. Researchers aim to determine if regular video appointments with a team of health professionals, known as the "Video-based Intervention" or "VIRTUAL," better control blood pressure compared to standard care. They also seek to assess whether this method can reduce disparities in care among different racial groups. Individuals who have experienced a stroke or mini-stroke, have high blood pressure, and plan to return home after treatment may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care strategies that could enhance health outcomes for diverse communities.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this telehealth model is safe for stroke patients?
Research has shown that telehealth methods, such as video calls, are generally safe for stroke patients. Studies have found that remote rehabilitation exercises can be as effective and safe as in-person clinic visits. One study found that virtual rehabilitation is well-tolerated and can aid recovery. These methods often involve a team of healthcare providers managing care remotely, which has been shown to be safe.
For the VIRTUAL intervention, research also supports its safety. It uses technology to assist with stroke recovery and management, and studies have proven it effective and safe. This approach allows stroke survivors to receive care and monitor their health without traveling to a clinic, offering a significant advantage.
In summary, both video-based and VIRTUAL interventions are supported by research showing they are safe for stroke recovery. These methods provide a convenient way to receive care, with safety comparable to traditional in-person visits.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the VIRTUAL Intervention for stroke care because it offers a unique, tech-savvy approach to managing stroke recovery. Unlike traditional methods where patients visit clinics for follow-ups, this treatment uses video telehealth appointments, allowing patients to connect with a multidisciplinary team from home. Additionally, it includes remote telemonitoring of blood pressure with frequent medication adjustments by pharmacists, which could lead to more personalized and timely care. This innovative approach aims to enhance patient convenience and potentially improve health outcomes by closely monitoring and adjusting treatment in real-time.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stroke care?
Research shows that telehealth, such as video calls, can aid stroke patients in better recovery. In this trial, participants in the VIRTUAL Intervention arm will have scheduled video telehealth appointments with a multidisciplinary team, including a stroke provider, social worker, and pharmacist, along with remote telemonitoring of blood pressure. Studies have found that telehealth improves blood pressure control after a stroke, which is crucial for recovery. Video-based education has increased patient satisfaction with care and aided certain aspects of recovery. Telerehabilitation, or rehab through video calls, has shown promise in supporting home recovery. This approach may reduce disparities in care among different racial groups by making treatment more consistent and accessible. Overall, evidence supports the potential benefits of video-based methods for managing stroke recovery.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Anjali Z Sharrief, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who've had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and have high blood pressure. They must be able to go home after discharge, give consent in English or Spanish, and can participate with a caregiver's help if they have cognitive issues. It's not for those with severe disability, less than a year to live, pregnant women, certain carotid artery conditions without planned treatment, or strokes caused by non-vascular factors.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a multidisciplinary telehealth-based intervention focusing on blood pressure control with video telehealth appointments and remote monitoring
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for blood pressure control and other health outcomes
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes such as recurrent vascular events and healthcare utilization
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Standard care
- Video-based Intervention
- VIRTUAL
Trial Overview
The study is testing a video-based telehealth program against standard care to see if it helps control blood pressure better after a stroke. The goal is also to check if this approach reduces racial disparities in managing post-stroke blood pressure.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants assigned to intervention arm will have scheduled video telehealth appointments with a multidisciplinary team (Stroke provider, social worker, pharmacist) and remote telemonitoring of blood pressure with blood pressure medication adjustments biweekly as needed by pharmacists.
Participants assigned to standard care will follow-up with a stroke provider within 2 weeks of discharge and primary care as per usual recommendations. Participants will monitor their blood pressure on their own and pharmacists will contact participants monthly to review blood pressure. Pharmacists will make recommendations for blood pressure medication adjustment to participant primary care provider.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Collaborator
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Telerehabilitation in stroke care--a systematic review
Home-based telerehabilitation interventions showed promising results in improving the health of stroke patients and in supporting caregivers.
Telehealth interventions for stroke management and ...
Telehealth may improve post-stroke disability outcomes and support administering thrombolytic therapy within the 3-hour window.
Digital health in stroke: a narrative review - PMC
By simulating functional tasks and challenging environments, virtual reality promotes motor learning and neuroplasticity, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes.
TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth Virtual Reality Training for ...
TACTICS VR Stroke Telehealth is a new VR application specifically tailored for stroke telehealth workflow training at spoke hospitals.
Effectiveness of Telehealth‐Based Exercise Interventions ...
Telehealth-based exercise interventions could effectively improve walking ability, motor function and ADLs in patients with stroke; however, the impact on ...
Virtually assisted home rehabilitation after acute stroke ...
The objective of Virtually Assisted home rehabilitation after acute STroke was to offer a fully remote telerehabilitation intervention to stroke survivors.
A Review of the Evidence for the Use of Telemedicine ...
The aim of this new statement is to provide a comprehensive and evidence-based review of the scientific data evaluating the use of telemedicine for stroke care
ICTs and interventions in telerehabilitation and their effects ...
Their results suggest the TR system is safe, feasible and able to provide intensive therapy at home for lower limb trainings. Lin et al. (46) ...
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