What Helps or Hinders the Uptake of New Technologies into Rehabilitation Practice?

Despite a proliferation of new rehabilitation technologies and a developing body of clinical evidence supporting their efficacy over the past 15 years, the uptake of rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice has been poor. In this qualitative study, we interviewed twenty seven rehabilitation clinicians to explore what helps and hinders the uptake of rehabilitation technologies into clinical practice. The findings illustrate that three inter-related factors are at play; the extent to which the technology addresses a clinical need, its clinical effectiveness and its usability. However, the interaction and weighting of these factors is influenced by the clinicians’ beliefs about the purpose of rehabilitation and what constitutes ‘valid’ rehabilitation practice, perceived professional roles, and whose perspective is given priority when evaluating technology. Understanding the context, process and values which drive decision-making may support the development of technologies which more readily translate into rehabilitation practice.