V. Sparkes1, K. Job2, J. Williams2, C. Gibson3, C. Holt2
1Cardiff University, Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 2Cardiff University, School of Engineering, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 3Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Rehabilitation Engineering, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Background: The restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 drove an increase in the use of technology in healthcare delivery. With an increasing ageing population with comorbidities the need for rehabilitation services to manage the expected demand will increase. The field of healthcare technologies is vast and growing and amongst others encompasses communication tools that allow remote consultations and to support rehabilitation, including web- or mobile-based tools (including apps) that permit self-management.
This study was vital as clinician experience of such tools is key if there is to be appropriate tool development and to improve efficiency of the service delivered by clinicians where use of remote means continues.
This study was vital as clinician experience of such tools is key if there is to be appropriate tool development and to improve efficiency of the service delivered by clinicians where use of remote means continues.
Purpose: To gather perceptions of online consultations and rehabilitation from clinicians treating people with neuro musculoskeletal conditions.
Methods: A qualitative design using semi structured interviews was gathered clinicians opinions about the use of online technology for consultations and rehabilitation for people with neuro musculoskeletal conditions.
Four NHS clinicians (3 males) who fulfilled specific inclusion criteria provided informed consent Interviews were conducted online between March 2021 -February 2022). Data was transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval: Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales Ethics Committee, REC reference: 10/MRE09/28 IRAS ref: 51853.
Four NHS clinicians (3 males) who fulfilled specific inclusion criteria provided informed consent Interviews were conducted online between March 2021 -February 2022). Data was transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical approval: Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales Ethics Committee, REC reference: 10/MRE09/28 IRAS ref: 51853.
Results: Themes were grouped into positives and negatives
Positives: Online triaging and reviews helpful for patients, which gave large time savings particularly for patients in rural areas. Development of virtual groups sessions could be adapted for different conditions and cope with increasing demand whereas classes numbers restricted in hospital settings. Patients enjoyed being contacted and felt connected. Can remotely monitor patients, involving nonskilled worker performing what was viewed as a skilled task. Risks in online groups mitigated by layers of backup, ie phones, relatives etc and all classes seated. Patients adapted well and became less dependent and more able to self-manage. Improved communication within staff team, and better leadership. Sharing of innovation has been excellent. Transfer to digital patient records.
Negatives: Some patients and staff needed training and some people do not have the appropriate technology. In some instances, an assistant would visit a patient to ensure correct set up.People with complex conditions requiring complex interventionsare difficult online. Increased administrations required to co-ordinate appointments and technology. Some patients concerned about data protection. Concern re digital records from technological aspect. NHS barriers to adopt Technology
Positives: Online triaging and reviews helpful for patients, which gave large time savings particularly for patients in rural areas. Development of virtual groups sessions could be adapted for different conditions and cope with increasing demand whereas classes numbers restricted in hospital settings. Patients enjoyed being contacted and felt connected. Can remotely monitor patients, involving nonskilled worker performing what was viewed as a skilled task. Risks in online groups mitigated by layers of backup, ie phones, relatives etc and all classes seated. Patients adapted well and became less dependent and more able to self-manage. Improved communication within staff team, and better leadership. Sharing of innovation has been excellent. Transfer to digital patient records.
Negatives: Some patients and staff needed training and some people do not have the appropriate technology. In some instances, an assistant would visit a patient to ensure correct set up.People with complex conditions requiring complex interventionsare difficult online. Increased administrations required to co-ordinate appointments and technology. Some patients concerned about data protection. Concern re digital records from technological aspect. NHS barriers to adopt Technology
Conclusions: Overall there was a strongly positive response to the benefits of online technology for supporting people with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, with some negatives such as increased administration time for appointments.
Implications: Hybrid working probably will continue as online technology has notable benefits for some type of appointments and can reduce travel time for many patients particularly those in rural areas. Access to appropriate technology is important.
Funding acknowledgements: Funding this study was funded by Welsh Government Ser Cymru III Tackling COVID-19 Programme
Keywords:
Technology
Rehabilitation
Clinician
Technology
Rehabilitation
Clinician
Topics:
Innovative technology: information management, big data and artificial intelligence
Musculoskeletal
Neurology
Innovative technology: information management, big data and artificial intelligence
Musculoskeletal
Neurology
Did this work require ethics approval? Yes
Institution: Cardiff University and Cardiff and Vale NHS
Committee: Health Research Authority and Health and Care Research Wales Ethics Committee,
Ethics number: REC reference: 10/MRE09/28 IRAS ref: 51853.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
