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. 2023 Dec 12;15(2):e6584.
doi: 10.5195/ijt.2023.6584. eCollection 2023.

Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

Naif Q Aljabri  1   2 , Kim Bulkeley  2 , Anne Cusick  2
Affiliations

Perspectives of Saudi Occupational Therapists Regarding Telerehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

Naif Q Aljabri et al. Int J Telerehabil. .

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.

Keywords: Occupational Therapy; Rehabilitation; Saudi Arabia; Telerehabilitation; e-health.

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