Use of an iPad App (Aid for Decision-making in Occupational Choice) for Collaborative Goal Setting in Interprofessional Rehabilitation: Qualitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background Goal setting is a key part of the rehabilitation process. The use of technology and electronic tools such as smartphone apps and websites has been suggested as a way of improving the engagement of users in meaningful goal setting and facilitating shared decision-making between patients and health professionals. Objective This study aims to describe experiences of health professionals and patients in the use of the English language version of the iPad app Aid for Decision-making in Occupational Choice (ADOC) to facilitate collaborative goal setting in rehabilitation. Methods We recruited participants from 3 acute and postacute care rehabilitation wards in both public and private organizations in New Zealand. Participants were registered allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists, who engage in goal setting as part of their normal work, and their adult patients. We collected data via semistructured interviews to gather information about the experiences of the participants in the use of ADOC for goal setting. Data were analyzed with thematic analysis. Results A total of 8 health professionals and 8 patients participated in the study. Six main themes emerged from the data: changing patients’ perspective on what is possible, changing health professionals’ perspective on what is important, facilitating shared decision-making, lack of guides for users, logistic and organizational barriers, and app-related and technical issues. Conclusions Health professionals and patients found ADOC to be a valuable tool when setting shared rehabilitation goals. The use of ADOC promoted a patient-centered approach that empowered patients to engage in collaborative goal setting. The technological limitations of the app that negatively impacted experiences can be addressed in the future implementation of ADOC in rehabilitation settings.

Patient experiences of codesigned rehabilitation interventions in hospitals: a rapid review

“… 42 The use of a tablet application to facilitate collaborative goal setting was perceived by health professionals as time consuming. 48 A key facilitator of codesign was a positive relationship between patients and others involved in their rehabilitation such as peers, family and health professionals. 42 47 Patients mentioned that peers who had similar conditions to their own helped to support and provide encouragement during the decision-making process.…”

“… 48 Health professionals suggested that the tablet application could be improved for patients by including culturally appropriate images. 48 …”

“…37 38 All studies demonstrated congruity between their research methodology and purported philosophical perspective. [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] All studies had congruity between their research question, data collection and analysis, research methods and interpretation of results. [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] Two studies addressed the relationship between the study participants and the researcher.…”

“…[42][43][44][45][46][47][48] All studies had congruity between their research question, data collection and analysis, research methods and interpretation of results. [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] Two studies addressed the relationship between the study participants and the researcher. 45 47 One study included a statement on the theoretical perspectives and cultural orientation of the research team.…”

“…45 47 One study included a statement on the theoretical perspectives and cultural orientation of the research team. 48 All studies were conducted ethically, had adequate representation of the voices of their participants, and had conclusions Open access that were logically drawn. [42][43][44][45][46][47][48] See table 1 for the quality appraisal summary.…”