‘Reaching for Robotics’ : A mixed methods study of clinician perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation in Western Australia — The Association Specialists
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‘Reaching for Robotics’ : A mixed methods study of clinician perspectives on robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation in Western Australia (22216)

Nikki Bakhtazad 1 , Amanda Timler 1 2 , Matthew K Bagg 1 3 4 , Rachel Buckingham 1 , Taya Hamilton 3 , Trish Leonard 5 6 , Stuart Hodgetts 3 7 , Barby Singer 8 , Ann-Maree Vallence 9 , Jessica Nolan 1 10 11
  1. School of Health Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle , Western Australia
  2. Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle , Western Australia, Australia
  3. Perron Institute for Neurological and Translation Science , University of Western Australia Medical School , Nedlands , Western Australia
  4. Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neurosience Research Australia , Randwick , New South Wales , Australia
  5. State Rehabilitation Service, Fiona Stanley Hospital , Murdoch , Western Australia, Australia
  6. Australian Institute of Neuro-rehabilitation , Osbourne Park , Western Australia, Australia
  7. School of Human Sciences, Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology , University of Western Australia , Crawley , Western Australia, Australia
  8. School of Medical and Health Sciences , Edith Cowan University , Joondalup , Western Australia, Australia
  9. School of Psychology, College of Health and Education , Murdoch University , Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
  10. School of Allied Health , Curtin University , Bentley , Western Australia, Australia
  11. Physiotherapy Department, Sir Charles Gairdner Osborne Park Health Care Group , Nedlands , Western Australia, Australia

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the perspective of Western Australian (WA) clinicians towards the use of robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation alongside conventional therapy for people with neurological conditions. It also aims to explore the optimal service delivery for this technology in order to enhance neurorehabilitation in the future.

Methods

WA clinicians, working in neurorehabilitation, were recruited to participate in a survey and an optional interview. Fifty-six clinicians completed the survey. Eleven participated in an additional interview, 6 (54.5%) of whom had prior clinical experience using robotic rehabilitation. Survey data were summarised descriptively. Interview data were thematically analysed using a reflexive approach.

Key Findings

The majority of clinicians were interested in upskilling in robotic rehabilitation (n=49, 87.5%) and incorporating robotics into their clinical practice (n=44, 78.6%). Lack of access to devices, limited clinician confidence, and varied attitudes towards device usability and funding were identified as the main limiting factors to robotic implementation. Comprehensive clinician upskilling and improved access to robotic knowledge and support services were reported as key facilitators to robotic use.

Conclusion

Clinician perspectives of robot-assisted lower limb rehabilitation are varied. However, findings indicate strong interest in the clinical adoption of robotics statewide. Addressing current barriers and embracing identified facilitators could inform the creation and delivery of robot-assisted neurorehabilitation services in WA, optimised for this state. A centralised robotic service was proposed as a way to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for clients throughout WA and encourage clinicians to incorporate using robotic assistance into neurorehabilitation programs.