Navigating through a new era of digital and technological tools in ACL injury rehabilitation – a focus group study with physiotherapists
2023 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
Introduction: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury often leads to long-lasting physical and psychological impairments that traditional rehabilitation has difficulty restoring. Technological development, including digital health tools, has led to new models of rehabilitation. Physiotherapists (PTs) have a leading role in ACL rehabilitation and may have ideas on how rehabilitation can be further improved using novel technology.
Aim: The aim of the study was to explore how PT with experiences in ACL rehabilitation perceive opportunities, challenges, and hold visions for how the rehabilitation can be improved, particularly with the use of technology.
Methods: A qualitative approach was implemented. Four focus group discussion sessions were held digitally with a total of 12 PTs. Thematic data analysis was applied.
Results: The analysis generated five themes describing challenges and suggestions for future development in ACL injury rehabilitation. Technological and digital tools were proposed to improve functional assessment, feedback, and remote tracking and communication. Still, the PTs expressed a lack of knowledge of available technological solutions and how they may be applied in the clinic. Constraints and worries were considered regarding implementations. However, they conveyed a curiosity about how technology could develop rehabilitation. A need to improve the psychological aspects of the injury and the therapeutic alliance were also discussed but not necessarily with a link to technology.
Conclusions: Emphasis might be placed on facilitating the implementation of digital and technological tools into the clinic. Technological and digital tools need to be user-friendly, cost-effective, and provide evidence for superior care. A biopsychosocial approach including evaluation and treatment targeting the nervous-, psychological, and musculoskeletal system were requested to improve ACL injury rehabilitation.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2023.
Keywords [en]
anterior cruciate ligament, knee, digital health, telerehabilitation, technology, physiotherapy, qualitative research, focus group discussion
National Category
Medical and Health Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-222323OAI: oai:DiVA.org:umu-222323DiVA, id: diva2:1844441
Educational program
Master's Programme in Physiotherapy
Supervisors
Examiners
2024-03-142024-03-132024-03-14Bibliographically approved