ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A2323 TELE-ASSESSMENT IN STROKE PATIENTS: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW OF AN EMERGING RESEARCH FIELD

Abstract Background and aims Tele-assessment in stroke care has gained increasing attention as a component of digital health and remote clinical decision-making. This study aimed to map the evolving landscape of original research on remote assessment of stroke survivors by identifying publication trends, dominant clinical domains, and technological approaches. Methods A bibliometric review was conducted on 21 original research articles examining tele-assessment tools and methodologies in stroke care, identified through structured database searches. Systematic reviews and secondary analyses were excluded to maintain a focus on primary clinical evidence. Publications were analyzed according to year of publication, assessment domains, technological modalities, and psychometric objectives, including validity and reliability. Results A marked acceleration in publication activity was observed, with 71% (n=15) of studies published between 2023 and 2025, highlighting the rapidly expanding nature of the field. Motor function assessment was the most frequently investigated domain (42.9%), followed by cognitive screening (23.8%) and balance or mobility evaluation (19.0%), with several studies addressing overlapping functional domains. Methodologically, validation and reliability studies predominated, reflecting efforts to translate established clinical scales—such as the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, NIHSS, and Berg Balance Scale—into remote and digital formats. Video-based telehealth platforms remained the primary delivery method, while more recent studies incorporated mobile applications, wearable sensors, and early-stage telerobotic systems. Conclusions Tele-assessment research in stroke care is transitioning from feasibility-focused exploration toward methodological validation. Current evidence supports the reliability of remote motor and cognitive assessments, while technological diversification remains limited. Conflict of interest Birol Önal: nothing to disclose