Transforming a clinical trial from blueprint to reality requires detailed planning, rigorous validation and cross-border coordination. Over the past year, the TeleRehaB DSS consortium has advanced through each of these steps, ensuring that the system is not only technically ready but also clinically aligned and centred on patient needs.
A Phased approach to readiness
The foundation for the clinical trial was built across four key strands:
- Focus groups with individuals affected by stroke, vestibular disorders, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and long COVID-19
- Validation studies of the wellness mat, IMU scoring models, and eHealth Literacy tools
- Iterative improvements to the Virtual Coaching Platform (VCP), mobile app, clinician dashboard, and support documentation
- In-clinic pilot testing, now active at all sites, to verify usability, safety and workflow integration
These phases were informed by patient and clinician feedback, helping adapt the platform to user needs. Focus group insights led to more accessible recruitment materials, improved symptom tracking, and better pacing options for participants with long COVID-19.
Clinical sites aligned and ready
Clinical partners in the UK, Greece, Thailand, Portugal and Germany completed training in Athens in January 2025 and continue coordination through weekly meetings. All study documentation has been finalised and translated. Platform set-up, device testing and patient enrolment workflows have been standardised and validated.
From protocol to people
Participants will follow a 9-week home rehabilitation programme combining physical, cognitive and gamified activities. The approach is intentionally adaptive: participants report whether they feel ready to progress, and clinicians monitor and adjust accordingly.
Clinician support includes weekly phone calls and structured programme reviews at weeks 3 and 6, ensuring safety, engagement and timely troubleshooting.
Ready for launch
With all preparatory phases complete, the clinical trial is ready to begin. Participant identification is ongoing, kits are assembled, and digital infrastructure is in place. TeleRehaB now moves from planning to practice, demonstrating how a complex, multi-country clinical study can remain firmly grounded in real patient needs.
