Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

Authors

  • Naif Q. Aljabri Occupational Therapy Department, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University
  • Kim Bulkeley Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney
  • Anne Cusick Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6584

Keywords:

e-Health, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation, Saudi Arabia, Telerehabilitation

Abstract

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.

  

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Published

2023-12-12

How to Cite

Aljabri, N. Q., Bulkeley , K., & Cusick , A. (2023). Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 15(2). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6584

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Occupational Therapy Telehealth

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Copyright (c) 2023 Naif Q Aljabri, Kim Bulkeley , Anne Cusick

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