Allied health clinicians growing together with rehabilitation technology
Julie Pryor1,2, Louise Pearce1,2, Jason Redhead1, Kylie Chambers11Royal Rehab, Ryde, NSW, Australia2The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Abstract
Background: Over the past three years, Royal Rehab in Sydney introduced 35 rehabilitation technologies into practice. Current literature about clinician uptake of rehabilitation technology is variable.
Method: This mixed-methods study tracked rehabilitation technology use and investigated influences on its use from our clinicians’ perspectives using surveys and interviews.
Results: The arrival of two exoskeletons in November 2020 started clinicians on a journey of individual development and sparked significant organisational change due to an overwhelming agreement that this was a positive initiative. As new upper limb, lower limb, communication, recreational and cognitive training devices were introduced, three staff perception surveys conducted between November 2020 and November 2022 demonstrated that staff were positive about technology, but not confident about using it. There was a strong link between staff training and confidence, with staff needing hands-on practice to consolidate new learning and ongoing device use to maintain and build their skills. From July to December 2022, technology usage data across devices showed gradual growth in the volume and diversity of technology use. The primary users were physiotherapists and occupational therapists with clients with diverse neurological conditions aged 18-83 years. Interviews with 20 clinicians uncovered a rich story of change within individual clinicians, disciplines and services which collectively contributed to ongoing organisational change with clinicians seeing a clear future for technology in rehabilitation.
Discussion: Prioritization of staff training, clinician buy-in and strong organisational support facilitated adoption of rehabilitation technology by allied health clinicians. The importance of organisational support cannot be overstated.
Biography
Julie is the Director of Research at Royal Rehab, with more than 25 years experience researching rehabilitation service delivery. She has a particular interest in understanding how rehabilitation services can make available to patients the best that each discipline has to offer individually and collectively.
Kylie is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in rehabilitation and disability. Currently the Clinical Operations Manager of Royal Rehab LifeWorks, she manages a multidisciplinary allied health service that has transitioned from a community based service to a hybrid outpatient and community service focusing on utilising advanced technology in therapy, the clinic and community settings.