An online fall prevention and management program for wheelchair and scooter users: clinicians' perspectives.

Objective

This study explored clinicians' perspectives on the usefulness, effectiveness, technology's role, and improvement areas of the Individualised Reduction of Falls Online (iROLL-O) program, a group-based online fall prevention intervention for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) or spinal cord injury (PwSCI) who use wheelchairs and scooters (WC/S) full-time.

Methods

Occupational and physical therapists with at least four years of clinical experience working with PwMS or PwSCI who used WC/S (N = 5), were recruited for the study. Clinicians reviewed the iROLL-O program and completed Zoom-based semi-structured interviews to provide feedback on the program. Three research team members conducted thematic analysis through iterative coding, with major codes derived from research questions and others generated inductively.

Results

Four themes emerged to capture the clinician's views on the iROLL program: (1) Practical and Comprehensive Nature of the iROLL Program, (2) Mechanisms of Change for the iROLL Program, (3) Role of Online Delivery Method and (4) Opportunities for Improvement.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates iROLL-O's potential effectiveness for fall prevention among PwMS and PwSCI who use WC/S full-time. Findings emphasise the importance of tailored, accessible programming for enhanced engagement. Clinicians valued iROLL's comprehensive, flexible approach. Future research should aim to refine online delivery and expand the evaluation of program efficacy.