Theperceptions of patients with osteoarthritis at a public community rehabilitation centre in the Cape Metropole for using digital technology in rehabilitation
Date
2024-03
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH SUMMARY: Background: Access to rehabilitation services is a significant global challenge, especially in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) where resources are limited. Telerehabilitation (TR) has emerged as a promising method to expand accessibility, but barriers like infrastructure and digital literacy have hindered adoption among LMICs patients.
Aim: The study aimed to understand patients' perspectives regarding the use of digital technology as part of their OA rehabilitation at a public community healthcare centre in the Cape Metropole Area.
Methods: The research consisted of conducting a systematic review and a primary study. The systematic review included studies (excluding secondary reviews) available in English with any information on the perspectives and experiences of TR for people with data regarding TR in these studies were also extracted. The findings of the review were used to explain any concepts arising from the primary study. A qualitative descriptive study design was used with 10 OA patients from a public community rehabilitation centre in South Africa. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and patient-reported outcome measures (PSFS, ASES-8, and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L) on functioning and quality of life. Transcribed interview data were coded in Atlas.ti. 22.2 and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Seven moderate-to-high quality studies (2010-2022) were included. Telerehabilitation was found to facilitate personalized, detailed care and accountability through regular check-ins. TR enabled self-management by allowing familiar home exercise with remote guidance. Minor technical challenges did not disrupt perceived user-friendliness of technical applications. Visible improvements in functioning and reduced pain/fear were noted, although some preferred in-person sessions. The findings found that the people valued efficiency, accessibility and family involvement with TR but identified needs for training and cultural adjustment.
Primary study: Participants demonstrated limited awareness and exposure to TR, as well as minimal digital literacy and skills. Scepticism was shown when comparing the effectiveness of TR to in-person rehabilitation and valued physical interactions with health professionals. However, some recognized potential benefits of TR for accessibility, convenience, family involvement and improving community health in the long term. Willingness existed to try TR with sufficient training.
Conclusion: With targeted efforts addressing identified barriers around awareness, technological literacy, clinician readiness and resource availability, perspectives on TR may shift positively from uncertainty towards endorsement of this expanding approach for simpler rehabilitation access in LMICs.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MScPhysio)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.