A Mixed Method Study: Exploring Occupational Therapy Practitioners’ Experiences and Perceptions of Virtual Care for Neurological Conditions

Abstract

Objective: This study comprehensively investigates the experiences and perceptions of occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) regarding virtual care for neurological conditions, with a particular focus on patient-centered practice and interprofessional collaboration. Methods: A mixed-methods survey involving 170 OTPs specializing in neurological conditions was conducted to gather data. Quantitative data were analyzed to calculate percentages and statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to gain insights into the practitioners’ perspectives. Results: The study found that 72% of OTPs expressed comfort with performing virtual assessments, and 70% felt comfortable with virtual treatments. However, there were variations in comfort levels, particularly concerning assessments in the adult neurological population, with only 20% feeling comfortable in this context. Video conferencing was the most widely adopted virtual care platform (65%), followed by electronic health records (48%) and mobile apps (30%). The survey revealed that OTPs provided a range of services virtually, including psychosocial support (62%) therapeutic exercise and activities (78%), and patient/ caregiver education (60%). OTPs working with pediatric populations reported a higher perceived value in telehealth services (76%) compared to those working with adult populations (61%). Key facilitators to promote usage of telehealth with neurological conditions included telehealth-specific training programs, digital assessment tools, interprofessional collaboration, and patient engagement strategies. Barriers included training gaps, especially in adult neurological assessments. Conclusion: This study highlights the evolving role of occupational therapy in the realm of virtual care for neurological conditions. While the majority of practitioners recognize the importance of virtual care, tailored training and support programs are needed to address variations in comfort levels, particularly in assessments for adult neurological patients. Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for enhancing patient care. The study provides valuable insights for practitioners, educators, and healthcare institutions to optimize virtual care in the digital age.