Meeting Unmet Needs for Stroke Rehabilitation in Rural Public Health: Explorative Economic Evaluation of Upper Limb Robotics-Based Technologies through a Capabilities Lens

Rehabilitation technologies are rapidly evolving, presenting promising interventions for people with neurological impairments. Access to technology, however, is greater in metropolitan than rural areas. Applying a capabilities approach this access issue foregrounds healthcare recipients’ rights and personhood within the discourse on resource allocation. Within context, study aimed investigate economic viability of robotics-based therapy (RBT) Victoria, Australia. A regional health network developed model care provide equitable RBT following stroke. This explorative evaluation examined both clinical impact program implementation across six iterations compared 1:1 out-patient rehabilitation. While outcomes were equivalent, per patient cost ranged from AUD 2681 (Program 1) 1957 6), while usual rehabilitation, was 2584. Excluding Program 1, service rehabilitation consistently higher, indicating that an established may be cost-effective, specifically providing less same effect. research demonstrates feasibility delivering public stroke service. More broadly, it provided reduction capability gap between survivors by tackling disadvantage.