A technology-focused service within a rehabilitation setting: exploring the experiences and current technology demands of people with disabilities

Abstract

Purpose

To understand and combat the challenges in taking up and implementing technology in rehabilitation settings, the HabITec Lab, a clinical service focused on technology, was piloted for 12-months within a tertiary hospital. This article reports on its preliminary impacts as a clinical service and on clients, including the types of assistive technology (AT) in demand.

Materials and Methods

Referral and administrative data from 25 individuals who attended the HabITec Lab were collated and analysed using descriptive statistics. For those who attended more than once (n = 12), goal attainment was assessed using the Modified Goal Attainment Measure (MGAM). Post-intervention semi-structured interviews were completed with participants to understand their experience at the HabITec Lab. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Most attendees (92%) were undergoing inpatient rehabilitation following a spinal cord injury (SCI). The majority (73%) of goals related to improving entertainment and connection. All participants who completed the MGAM showed improved goal attainment following their HabITec Lab attendance. Qualitative data highlighted appreciation for the service and suggestions for its future.

Conclusions

This study revealed a high level of demand for support to use AT amongst individuals with SCI, particularly consumer-grade smart devices that could assist communication. This finding may have been influenced by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and frequent lockdowns during this period. This study indicated that the HabITec Lab was able to address important goals for attendees, but also illuminate a new future and trigger enthusiasm about future goals. Attendance was liberating, but resourcing barriers were frustrating.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Dedicated socio-technological spaces such as HabITec are an important way to provide access to expertise and develop consumer knowledge of technology not adequately addressed elsewhere in the rehabilitation continuum.

• Access to technological support for individuals in the inpatient setting facilitates access to technology in the present and capacity building to foster ongoing use of technology in the future.

• Dedicated socio-technological spaces should be adequately resourced, funded, staffed and promoted to ensure optimal outcomes.

• Access to Smart devices within the inpatient rehabilitation setting is critical for people with spinal cord injury to foster communication with family, friends and communities.

Keywords:

• Smart devices
• spinal cord injury
• assistive technology

Acknowledgements

The research team would like to acknowledge Ms Mary Whitehead, Director of Occupational Therapy at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, for her contributions to the design and development of HabITec; the occupational therapy students who provided repetitive practice interventions; and Ms Kate Knudsen who assisted with the interviews.

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

SO was supported by a Clinical Researcher Fellowship from The Hopkins Centre funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission.