A pilot exploration of staff and service-user perceptions of a novel digital health technology (Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant) in complex inpatient rehabilitation

Kathryn Jarvis; Julie Cook; Ganesh Bavikatte; Nicola Branscombe; Steve Donovan; Jo Haworth; Charlotte Lawrence; Chris Morland; Rachel C Stockley

doi:10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499

A pilot exploration of staff and service-user perceptions of a novel digital health technology (Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant) in complex inpatient rehabilitation

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2024 May 14:1-11. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kathryn Jarvis¹, Julie Cook², Ganesh Bavikatte³, Nicola Branscombe³, Steve Donovan⁴, Jo Haworth³, Charlotte Lawrence³, Chris Morland⁴, Rachel C Stockley¹

Affiliations

¹ Stroke Research Team, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.
² Applied Health Research Hub, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.
³ The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
⁴ Citrus Suite, Liverpool, UK.

PMID: 38743465
DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2024.2351499

Abstract

Purpose: Digital health technologies have the potential to advance rehabilitation. The Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA) is a digital technology, co-designed to increase service-user engagement and promote self-management. This qualitative study explored staff and service-user perceptions of implementing VERA on a UK complex inpatient rehabilitation ward.

Methods: Purposively sampled service-users were allocated to VERA for up to six weeks. The Non-adoption, Abandonment, Scale-up, Spread and Sustainability (NASSS) framework underpinned service-user post-intervention interviews and staff focus groups, and structured analysis of the data. Seven service-users were interviewed. Nine staff contributed to focus groups.

Results: A framework analysis identified themes (and subthemes) structured by the NASSS framework domains: 1. Nature of Clinical Condition, 2. Technology (Ease of Use, Holding Information/Resources in a single Digital Location, Appointments), 3. Value Proposition (Structuring Time, Feedback, Unexpected Benefits) 4. Adopters (Confidence in using Technology, Usefulness), 5. Wider Organisation. Ease of use and storage of key information in a single location were beneficial. Reliability, and provision of accurate and timely feedback to staff and service-users, were identified as essential.

Conclusions: A blended approach is required to meet staff and service-user needs. The potential for VERA in a community setting was identified and requires further investigation. Learning from VERA will support development of other digital technologies and their implementation.

Keywords: Digital health technology; co-design; implementation; qualitative; rehabilitation.

Plain language summary

Digital health technologies have the potential to positively impact rehabilitation but may not be suitable for all service-users.Digital health technologies for rehabilitation must be easy to use and reliable.Relevant and informative feedback from the digital health technology was considered essential by both staff and service-users.Utilising a theoretical framework that focuses on key components of implementation was instrumental for development and evaluation of Virtual Engagement Rehabilitation Assistant (VERA).