Evolving roles or “selling our souls” – healthcare professionals’ perceptions of using eHealth in the rehabilitation of older adults: A qualitative study
Breiffni Leavy, Caitríona Quinn, Camilla Malinowsky, Hanna JohanssonBackground
Understanding how allied health professionals perceive eHealth use is essential to informing future implementation of eHealth which facilitates the rehabilitation of older adults in primary care.
Objectives
This study aimed to explore the perceptions of occupational therapists and physical therapists, working in primary care settings, concerning the use of eHealth methods in the rehabilitation of older adults with chronic disease.
Methods
This qualitative interview study explores healthcare provider perspectives using interview technique. Seven semi-structured focus-group interviews were performed across two clinical sites, among 33 allied health professionals (15 occupational therapists and 18 physical therapist) with varying eHealth experience. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview guide. The data was analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.
Results
The analysis resulted in the development of four main themes, incorporating 11 categories. The main themes are
Conclusion
While healthcare professionals perceive opportunities for eHealth supported rehabilitation, they must navigate a tension between maintaining professional identity and adapting to digital methods that restrict them from applying the entire range of their professional skill set.