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

• Published in: Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation Vol. 102; no. 10; p. e4
• Main Authors: Rademeyer, Hope Jervis, Gauthier, Cindy, Zariffa, José, Walden, Kristen, Jeji, Tara, McCullum, Shane, Musselman, Kristin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.10.2021
• Subjects: Occupational Therapists; Physical Therapists; Rehabilitation Centers; Spinal Cord Injuries; Technology; Rehabilitation Centers; Occupational Therapists; Spinal Cord Injuries; Physical Therapists; Technology
• ISSN: 0003-9993; 1532-821X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.07.398

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). 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. The settings consisted of inpatient/outpatient departments at nine Canadian rehabilitation hospitals. Participants included licensed physical (n=12) and occupational (n=10) therapists employed at rehabilitation hospitals in Canada. N/A. For analysis, interpretive description was used as a methodology to understand clinical phenomena; hence, informing clinical applications. 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. 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. None.