Reaching a consensus on the definition of telerehabilitation: world federation of neurorehabilitation telerehabilitation special interest group

The research into and the adoption of telerehabilitation has greatly expanded over the last two decades. With this increasing level of interest in telerehabilitation there is a need for a comprehensive definition. The Telerehabilitation Special Interest Group of the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation is comprised of a diverse group of researchers from over 30 countries and so is well placed to reach a consensus on a definition of telerehabilitation and disseminate this widely. An e-Delphi approach was employed within the special interest group to reach a consensus on the definition. The agreed comprehensive definition of telerehabilitation includes a formal definition, an abbreviated version and a lay version, each with distinct purposes. A description of the scope of telerehabilitation is included, as well as an overview of the various modes of telerehabilitation. It is anticipated that this definition of telerehabilitation may assist researchers, clinicians, advocates and policy makers in a range of purposes.