Exploring the Use of Technology in our Community Rehabilitation Service during the Pandemic

ABSTRACT

In March 2020 with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Acquired Brain Injury Ireland as a specialist community rehabilitation service provider, moved from a face-to-face to a largely tele-rehabilitation model of service in the community. Our services are inter-disciplinary led with highly trained Rehabilitation Assistants working on a one-to-one basis with the client to implement the Individualised Rehabilitation Plan. Due to successive national lockdowns, social distancing measures and the health and safety risk posed by the pandemic, this model of service, largely provided in the person's home was on longer possible. Therefore, we quickly adapted to provide our range of interventions using a variety of online platforms and methods of engagement. Almost a year into the pandemic we conducted a survey of our clients which aims to provide a snapshot of how they are experiencing their usage of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was administered using Survey Monkey software in February 2021 during our third National Level 5 lockdown. A total of nine questions were asked, eight multiple choice, one open-ended where respondents were invited to submit their ideas for the future use of technology in their rehabilitation. There were 134 respondents in total, all ABI Ireland clients currently using our services. Overall, clients' use of technology during the pandemic has been largely positive. In the main, they had access to the necessary equipment and broadband services that they needed to get on-line. Many continue to require on-going support to engage. The respondents provided ratings on how useful or not technology usage was during the pandemic and how easy/difficult they found using technology for rehabilitation, The research explored the advantages and disadvantages of using technology and respondents were asked to rate their future preferences. Finally, the research explores respondents' ideas for the future in relation to using technology. The responses were wide and varied with training in tech for cited, as well as information on the most appropriate apps/ online resources. More creative solutions are required for those with sensory, visual and hearing impairments. It is clear from our findings that, despite the drawbacks, technology has an important role in the future delivery of rehabilitation programs and that clients want to have a combination of in-person and tech responses available to them. Many respondents used the opportunity to point out that nothing takes the place of human contact.