ADOPTION OF REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGIES DEPENDS ON TECHNOLOGY USABILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY AMONGST STROKE SURVIVORS (ID 1608)
Abstract
Background And Aims
Technology has the potential to increase rehabilitation intensity. Adoption of novel technologies is low and little is known about factors that influence adoption. We investigated the relationship between stroke survivor characteristics, technology usability, acceptability, and adoption.
Methods
We conducted a feasibility study of an adapted mobile rehabilitation system (interactive gaming) for self-directed UL rehabilitation (repetitive, task-specific training) amongst stroke survivors with UL weakness. Participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Participants’ competence in using the system was assessed and adherence with the system was recorded throughout the trial. The technology acceptance model (Davis, 1989) was used to formulate a survey examining the acceptability of the system amongst participants. Bivariate associations between participant characteristics, user competence rating (usability), end-point technology acceptance variables and intervention adherence (adoption) were examined. Structural organisation of the predictor-response space was examined with hierarchical clustering analysis.
Results
Technology adoption positively correlated with usability (ρ: 0.55, 95% CI: [0.23, 0.75], P=.007) and acceptability variables: perceived usefulness (ρ: 0.42, 95%CI:[ 0.09, 0.68], P=.03) and perceived ease of use (ρ: 0.46, 95% CI: [ 0.10, 0.74], P=.02). Technology acceptance negatively correlated with stroke severity (ρ: -0.56, 95% CI:[-0.79,-0.22], P=.007). Usability and adoption were clustered with clinical variables (cognition, functional independence status, UL impairment severity,) and demographic variables (sex, prior technology exposure).
Conclusions
Technology usability and acceptability were determinants of adoption and were mediated by participant characteristics, indicating to importance of assessing and addressing unique stroke survivors’ needs and abilities. Usability and acceptability of rehabilitation technologies are likely critical to effective adoption.
