Healthcare professionals' experiences and perspectives of personal technology for self-management following mild traumatic brain injuries: an exploratory online survey of UK practice.

INTRODUCTION

Personal technology might offer effective and efficient options for supporting successful self-management following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Its use in UK rehabilitation remains unclear. This study explores healthcare professionals' (HCPs) experience and attitudes towards using personal technology for self-management following mTBI.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey of UK HCPs working in mTBI services was conducted, recruiting via social media, professional networks and snowball sampling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-two HCPs responded representing a range of professions and mTBI services; not all services were mTBI specific. A variety of self-management interventions and outcome measures were reported. Among HCPs who offered self-management interventions (n = 55), 75% reported developing their own materials instead of using evidence-based resources. Fewer than half (n = 43, 47%) reported using personal technology to support self-management. Of those who did, most emailed resources or signposted patients to websites. Most (95%) participants agreed personal technology should be used in rehabilitation. Barriers included cost to patients and services, HCP/patient confidence with technology and concerns about losing face-to-face interactions.

CONCULSIONS: Despite HCPs receptiveness to digital self-management interventions, findings suggest personal technology is not routinely used in UK mTBI services. Personal and organisational implementation barriers need to be addressed to ensure people with mTBI benefit from personal technology for self-management. Further work should identify and test adoption strategies.