How using technology in rehab affects health professionals and their work

First published online 2 Oct 2024.

Why this study was done

Assistive technology—like smart devices, mobility aids, and communication tools—can greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities. But choosing the right technology and making sure it fits a person’s needs is complex. Health professionals often help guide these decisions, but they face challenges like limited time, training, and fast-changing tech.

This study looked at how health professionals experienced a new service called the HabITec Lab—a space in a hospital where patients, therapists, and tech experts could work together to find the right assistive technology.

What the study did

Researchers interviewed nine health professionals who referred patients to the HabITec Lab during a 12-month pilot program. They wanted to understand:

• What worked well
• What challenges they faced
• How the service affected their practice

What the study found

1. Balancing Support and Independence

• Therapists appreciated having a tech expert to help with complex cases.
• The HabITec Lab saved them time and helped patients become more independent.
• Some worried about becoming too reliant on the service and losing their own tech skills.

2. Exploring Possibilities

• Patients used the HabITec Lab to explore tech for communication, home control, and mobility.
• Even if goals weren’t always fully met, patients gained confidence and knowledge.
• The service helped patients feel more in control of their future tech needs.

3. Facing Mismatches

• Challenges included limited staff, scheduling issues, and not enough devices to try.
• Some therapists weren’t sure how to refer patients or what the lab offered.
• Community-based therapists found the lab harder to access than hospital-based ones.

4. Making It Work

• Success depended on timing, patient readiness, and support from family or staff.
• Funding delays and tech complexity sometimes got in the way.
• Therapists wanted better communication and follow-up from the lab.

What this means

The HabITec Lab helped health professionals and patients explore and use assistive technology more effectively. But for it to succeed long-term, it needs better funding, clearer processes, and a balance between expert support and therapist skill-building. Recommendations included:

• Create a clear, consistent referral process.
• Offer home visits and community outreach.
• Partner with tech companies for device trials.
• Provide more training and mentoring for therapists.
• Ensure the service is well-promoted and properly resourced.

This study was conducted by:

Dr. Tenelle Hodson, Dr. Melissa Kendall, Soo Oh, Ella Stangherlin, Dr. Camila Shirota, Prof. Elizabeth Kendall

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Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.