Occupational therapists’ experiences of using a new internet-based intervention - a focus group study

Abstract

Background: Research is limited about how the introduction of new ways of delivering and conducting occupational therapy, in accordance with expected changes in health care, is experienced by occupational therapists (OTs). Aim: To explore how OTs experienced use of a new internet-based intervention, ‘Strategies for Empowering activities in Everyday life’ (SEE), focusing on supporting client resources to manage an active everyday life after stroke. Material and methods: A focus group study with periodical repeated discussion was designed. Four sessions during a period of 22 months were conducted with a total of four OTs. Result: Overall, the results reflected that the OTs experienced that the use of SEE for persons with stroke was a valuable complement to existing rehabilitation. The process of introducing SEE included a multifaceted transition involving context, intervention process and delivery that renewed occupational therapy. Conclusion: These results indicate how the use of new internet-based interventions such as SEE can influence and support renewal of occupational therapy that extends beyond the particular intervention. Continued research is needed to explore more aspects of SEE feasibility.