What is OpenTeraPlus?
OpenTeraPlus is an open-source telerehabilitation and telehealth software platform developped by the Plateforme d’Équipements et de Services d’Ingénierie (PESI) from the Sherbrooke Research Center on Aging, IntRoLab and the INTER group.
Why OpenTeraPlus?
Multiple telerehabilitation and telehealth platforms are available. However, OpenTeraPlus distinguish itself by its ease of use for the healthcare professionals and for the users / patients, for its security features, its adjustments options and possibilities to various use-cases and scenarios, and from its various integrated tools.
| Zoom | Microsoft Teams | Philips Reacts | OpenTeraPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Login and access | ||||
| Login without username / password | X | X (1) | X | |
| Direct weblink to join | One link per session (2) | One link per session (2) | N/A | One link per participant |
| Security and technology | ||||
| Data encryption | X | X | X | X |
| Data connection between participants | Using a central server | Using a central server | Using a central server | Direct (peer-to-peer) |
| Data storage | USA / Canada (3) | USA / Canada (3) | Canada | Canada or self-hosted |
| Source code | Proprietary | Proprietary | Proprietary | Open-Source |
| In-session features (synchronous) | ||||
| Maximum number of participants | 100+ | 1000 | Unknown | 5 (4) |
| Sessions recording | Local / Server (5) | Server (5) | Unknown | Local (if enabled) |
| Remote microphones control by host (clinician) | Turn off | Turn off | Turn off | Turn off, on and source select |
| Remote camera control by host (clinician) | Turn off, position control | Turn off | Turn off | Turn off, on, position control and source select |
| Screen sharing | One screen at a time Personal activation |
One screen at a time Personal activation |
Multiple screens Personal activation |
Multiple screens Personal and host (clinician) activation |
| Focus on a participant | For self, for all | For self, for all | Unknown | For all |
| Display local image as a large view | X | X | ||
| Screen angle measurement | X | |||
| Countdowns and chronometers | X | |||
| Display and transfer of biometric data (Oxygen saturation, heartrate) |
In development | |||
| Offline features | ||||
| Sessions logs and details | X | |||
| Participant portal with video sequences created by the host (clinician) | X | |||
| Offline surveys | X | |||
| Data transfer and storage of various devices (Smart watches, instrumented bikes, …) |
X | |||
(1) Teams allows to connect without an user account, but there’s many required steps in order to do so.
(2) It is technically possible to reuse the same link for many sessions, but accountability is lost in the process.
(3) The physical location of data can be determined with a specific agreement with the supplier.
(4) The maximum number of participants in OpenTeraPlus is voluntarily limited because of the secure architecture and the mental charge for the host (clinician) to manage an active multi-participants session
(5) Data storage of sensitive data such as videos on an external server implies multiple legal and ethical issues.
Features
Videoconferencing tools
With a focus on telehealth activities, allowing up to 5 people in a session, screen sharing and display control.
Secure system
Including access management for users, safe data transfer and storage.
Sessions history and planner
Future sessions planning and viewing past sessions, including statistics and collected data.
Logical data organization
Data are structured by sites, projects, participants groups, participants and sessions, allowing to address multiple clinical and research needs.
Multi-platforms
Windows and Mac software for the host (clinician), web-based access for participants.
Clinical tools
Adapted for telehealth sessions such as on-screen angle measurements, countdowns and chronometers, remote-camera control (PTZ), remote management of devices (microphones, cameras and sensors).
Sensors data
Transfer, display and storage of biometric sensors data (e.g. oxygen saturation, heartrate, physical activities measures).
Offline sessions
Offline sessions planner with a video sequence organized by the host (clinician) for each participant including self-reported surveys.
Participant webportal
Including upcoming sessions calendar and external resources links from the web browser (no application required)
Ease of use
For the healthcare professionals and patients (no software installation required, one link to connect to all sessions)
Expandable
Software architecture allowing to add new features according to needs such as specific dashboards or data analysis (software development required)
Free and open
Open-source software freely available, allowing self-hosted configuration without constraints and licenses fees.
I want to use OpenTeraPlus!
You want to use OpenTeraPlus in your clinical practice or in your research project? You have two possible options:
Contact us
If you want to discuss with us of the possible options for your clinic or research project, please contact us and it will be a pleasure to help you!
Free self-hosting
If you have access to technical resources, you can install and freely host the required infrastructure to support the platform.