Rehabilitation professionals' perceptions of the use of new visualisation software tools with people with stroke.

PURPOSE

The envisage programme of research was funded to explore and evaluate the use of visualisation software tools using biomechanical data within rehabilitation. Three work packages were developed to evaluate the impact of the tools within stroke rehabilitation. The research presented here aimed at exploring the perceptions of rehabilitation therapists about the use of the visualisation software tools in the context of future randomised controlled trials and stroke rehabilitation practice.

METHODS

Sixteen therapists working in a range of stroke rehabilitation contexts participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview questions explored their current practice, and the perceived impact of the new visualisation technologies on their workplace environment and practice. Framework analysis was used to analyse the textual data.

RESULTS

In general, the stroke therapists were enthusiastic about the potential application of the visualisation software tools. Three themes were identified through qualitative framework analysis: potential uses of the visualisation tools; integration within current service provision; and trial involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights important contextual considerations which may impact significantly on the success of novel technologies in stroke rehabilitation. Normalisation process theory was proposed as a useful process evaluation methodology to optimise both trial evaluation and future service implementation. Implications for Rehabilitation There is limited research exploring the use of visual software technologies featuring biomechanical data within stroke rehabilitation. The perspectives of stroke rehabilitation therapists about the potential of such tools are useful both in terms of planning trial evaluations, and implementation. Therapists were generally positive about the contribution of visual software tools in stroke rehabilitation, but highlighted a number of practical constraints which required addressing. Normalisation process theory provides a useful process evaluation methodology which can support both trial evaluation and implementation of such novel technologies within stroke rehabilitation.