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

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.

Materials and 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.

Results: Seven service-users were interviewed. Nine staff contributed to focus groups. 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.

Conclusions: 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. 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.