Using Technology to Enhance Activity-Based Therapy for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury or Disease: Rehabilitation Hospital Therapists’ Perspectives

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To understand if and how therapists use technology and/or activity-based therapy (ABT) for rehabilitation of individuals living with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D). <h3>Design</h3> This research design was an exploratory qualitative study involving focus groups. The development of the semi-structured interview guide was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. <h3>Setting</h3> The settings consisted of inpatient/outpatient departments at nine Canadian rehabilitation hospitals. <h3>Participants</h3> Participants included licensed physical (n=12) and occupational (n=10) therapists employed at rehabilitation hospitals in Canada. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> For analysis, interpretive description was used as a methodology to understand clinical phenomena; hence, informing clinical applications. <h3>Results</h3> Three themes described factors influencing therapists' use of ABT and/or technology for SCI/D rehabilitation. 1) Factors that influence therapists' decision-making approach to ABT included therapist roles, site-specific dynamics and goal setting. 2) Therapist perceived individual factors included patient confidence, motivation, tolerance, mourning period, and self-advocacy. 3) ABT and equipment access noted logistical and invisible barriers, and how technology was used for ABT, showing wide variability of equipment and modes of use across sites. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In Canadian rehabilitation hospitals, use of ABT and/or technology for individuals with SCI/D is variable, depending on therapists' perceived understanding. Education about what ABT is and site-specific implementation strategies are needed. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> None.