Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study.

Background

Telerehabilitation is emerging in Saudi Arabia. This study investigated occupational therapy professionals' perspectives on using telerehabilitation in their practice.

Method

Data were collected through semi-structured phone interviews conducted with nine Saudi occupational therapists. A pragmatic qualitative evaluation approach was used.

Findings

Experience and perceptions of participants regarding telerehabilitation were represented as follows: awareness and knowledge of telerehabilitation; how telerehabilitation increases occupational therapy availability and access in Saudi Arabia; telerehabilitation in the pandemic; telerehabilitation is preferred; suitability of telerehabilitation in Saudi Arabia; telerehabilitation care pathways; telerehabilitation readiness in Saudi Arabia; and telerehabilitation willingness by Saudi occupational therapists.

Conclusion

Saudi occupational therapists have good knowledge and awareness of telerehabilitation, and some had used it during the pandemic. They showed positive attitudes and a willingness to use telerehabilitation if appropriate technology infrastructure, official policy standards and guidelines, training, data security, and financial resources could be provided to support implementation.

Informations de copyright

Copyright © 2023 Naif Q. Aljabri, Kim Bulkeley, Anne Cusick.