eHealth Service for Integrated Care and Outpatient Rehabilitation - Pilot Application of the Tyrol Stroke Pathway.

Background: Stroke is one of third most common causes of death and the main cause for permanent disabilities. The Tyrol Stroke Pathway covers, all steps from stroke onset to outpatient rehabilitation.

Objectives: The main objective of this paper is to describe how the paper-based documentation in the outpatient rehabilitation can be implemented in an eHealth service for integrated care.

Methods: First a state analysis followed by a requirement analysis was performed. An interactive mock-up was designed for further discussion with the stakeholders. After the implementation of the system the evaluation was performed in two steps: feedback from a virtual test phase and a pilot operation was analyzed.

Results: First experiences during the virtual test phase with key stakeholders of the therapy pathway showed a high level of acceptance. Users reported an improvement in the communication and documentation processes.

Conclusion: Initial results illustrate how a shift from paper-based documentation to an integrated eHealth service can improve communication and documentation in an independent therapy network.