Perceived Usability and Acceptability of Videoconferencing for Delivering Community-Based Rehabilitation to Individuals with Acquired Brain Injury: A Qualitative Investigation

Abstract

Objectives:There is limited research on the use of telerehabilitation platforms in service delivery for people with acquired brain injury (ABI), especially technologies that support delivery of services into the home. This qualitative study aimed to explore the perspectives of rehabilitation coordinators, individuals with ABI, and family caregivers on the usability and acceptability of videoconferencing (VC) in community-based rehabilitation. Participants’ experiences and perceptions of telerehabilitation and their impressions of a particular VC system were investigated.Methods:Guided by a theory on technology acceptance, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 participants from a community-based ABI service, including 13 multidisciplinary rehabilitation coordinators, 9 individuals with ABI, and 8 family caregivers. During the interview, they were shown a paper prototype of a telehealth portal for VC that was available for use. Interview transcripts were coded by two researchers and analysed thematically.Results:The VC was used on average for 2% of client consultations. Four major themes depicted factors influencing the uptake of VC platforms; namely, the context or impetus for use, perceived benefits, potential problems and parameters around use, and balancing the service and user needs. Participants identified beneficial uses of VC in service delivery and strategies for promoting a positive user experience.Conclusions:Perceptions of the usability of VC to provide services in the home were largely positive; however, consideration of use on a case-by-case basis and a trial implementation was recommended to enhance successful uptake into service delivery.

Use of telehealth platforms for delivering supportive care to adults with primary brain tumors and their family caregivers: A systematic review

“…Although these studies support the use of telehealth platforms in a supervised setting, there are potential barriers to their remote application, including technology problems and cognitive‐linguistic impairments. Health professionals' perspectives on these issues are informative and can guide implementation in practice 30 . However, remote delivery of supportive care ultimately needs to be perceived as feasible and beneficial for people with brain tumours and family caregivers.…”

Feasibility and acceptability of a telehealth platform for delivering the Making Sense of Brain Tumour programme: A mixed-methods pilot study

“…Yet, two individuals perceived that receiving therapy via videoconferencing did not provide the same sense of connection as face-to-face interaction. Previous research on videoconferencing for brain injury rehabilitation similarly identified that the limited visual perspective affects the ability to read social cues in the same way as in-person contact (Ownsworth et al, 2020). Nonetheless, participants did not perceive communication via the telehealth portal to be impersonal, which has been the case for some web-based platforms for cancer support due to lack of contact with professionals in real time (Cox et al, 2017).…”

“…The Tele-MAST intervention was delivered by a psychologist (LC) through the Metro South Telehealth Centre. This purpose-built centre provides access to a videoconferencing platform (i.e., Metro South telehealth portal) used by health professionals to provide remote consultations to people in their own homes or local health services (see Ownsworth et al, 2020). Participants received an initial training and practice session with step-by-step instructions for their device (computer, laptop or iPad) on how to access the weblink or download the app, set up audio and visual controls, connect for appointments, use screen share and trouble shooting.…”

“…Due to the visual aspect, communication can be enhanced (i.e., use of eye contact, facial expressions and body language) and screen sharing capabilities enable users to share pictures or diagrams. Such features can greatly support people with cognitive impairment to process, learn and retain new information (Ownsworth et al, 2020). Videoconferencing interventions have generally been found to be feasible and acceptable in the broader cancer population (Cox et al, 2017), but these have not been trialled for use in the context of brain tumour.…”

“…However, there is likely to be a subgroup who cannot access the internet or appropriate devices or prefer in-person contact. In previous research on videoconferencing for brain injury rehabilitation, health professionals' own preferences, skills and confidence with technology and social contextual factors (e.g., organizational and technological supports) were also key factors influencing uptake of new technology (Ownsworth et al, 2020). Therefore, while the delivery of psychological support via videoconferencing may be a viable and acceptable option to many people with brain tumour, use on a case-by-case basis is recommended.…”