Algo Used by Homecare Nonoccupational Therapists Selecting Bathing Assistive Technology: Enhancing Standardization by Exploring Clinical Reasoning

ABSTRACT

Algo is a clinical decision algorithm developed to support nonoccupational therapists in establishing assistive technology recommendations to enable physically disabled adults to perform their hygiene at home. This study aimed to explore the in-depth clinical reasoning of nonoccupational therapists using Algo to pinpoint the items leading to disagreements regarding recommendations. A multiple-case study was conducted with eight nonoccupational therapists trained to use Algo and filmed while using it with six standardized clients. Explicitation interviews were conducted for the conflicting recommendations. Identifying the key reasoning skills to develop in Algo users has led to three recommendations to enhance standardization with seniors.

KEYWORDS:

• bath^*
• assistive technology
• explicitation interview
• inter-professional boundaries^*
• interrater reliability

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Ms. Marilyn Gagnon, OT, Ms. Virginie Beaudin, OT, Ms. Andréanne Lecours, OT, Ms. Sophie-Andrée Marois, OT and Ms. Marilou Trempe, OT for their collaboration in the study design and data collection. Authors also acknowledge Ms. Audrée-Jeanne Beaudoin, OT, Ms. Nathalie Chevalier, OT, and Ms. Judith Robitaille, OT, MSc., for their contribution to data collection and analysis.

Funding

This study was financed by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, and Research Centre on Aging, CSSS-IUGS. The research work of the first author (MR), who is currently completing graduate studies, is financed by the Fonds de recherche du Quebec - Santé and the Unité Soutien SRAP du Quebec and AGE-WELL as a Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP).

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

About the Authors

Mélanie Ruest, OT, is pursuing her PhD studies in health sciences research with a specialization in geriatrics under the direction of Manon Guay; Annick Bourget, OT, PhD, is an assistant professor at the School of Rehabilitation of the Université de Sherbrooke; Nathalie Delli-Colli, RSW, PhD, is a researcher at the Research Centre on Aging and an assistant professor at the School of Social Work of the Université de Sherbrooke; Manon Guay, OT, PhD, is a researcher at the Research Centre on Aging and an assistant professor at the School of Rehabilitation of the Université de Sherbrooke.