Digital Inclusion in Motion: Uncovering Physiotherapists' Awareness and Application of Smartphone Accessibility Features

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the awareness of physiotherapy professionals regarding the digital accessibility settings on smartphones and their use in patient management. The research question focuses on understanding the level of knowledge and utilization of these settings among physiotherapists. Methods This study utilized a survey-based observational cross-sectional design. A questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and underwent peer review for face validity. Physiotherapists actively involved in patient management were selected and asked to complete the survey. The collected data was analyzed to assess the awareness and utilization of digital accessibility settings. Results The study collected 100 questionnaire responses from physiotherapists, with a majority of 85% being female and an average age of 24.68 years. The findings revealed that Bold Text was the most commonly used Android feature, while Action Blocks had the lowest awareness and use. For iOS, Text size, Subtitles, and Dictation features were highly utilized, while Action Blocks had the lowest score. Conclusion The results highlight the need for increased awareness and education among physiotherapists regarding the digital accessibility settings on smartphones, particularly among those who use Android devices. This education can help physiotherapists better support their patients in optimizing smartphone usage and improving their quality of life. Integrating digital accessibility education into the curriculum or continuing education programs for physiotherapists is recommended to address this knowledge gap and empower patients with disabilities to utilize smartphone features more efficiently.