BACKGROUND
Upper extremity function is critical for daily living across domains; this may include completing activities of daily living, employment, and participating in recreational activities. The FEPSim device is a medical device for hand and wrist rehabilitation which can be adjusted according to the patient’s requirements in rehabilitation. Furthermore, the FEPSim can be used to assess the patient’s strength and range of motion of the forearm, wrist, and hand. At present, the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim have not been tested in a clinical setting, with limited perspectives from rehabilitation-providing clinicians
OBJECTIVE
To understand the factors related to the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device. Upper limb disorders are prevalent across populations. The impact of upper limb disorders, both acute and chronic, puts a significant burden on the Canadian healthcare system
METHODS
A qualitative descriptive study was conducted that involved face-to-face semi-structured interviews with hand therapists from hand therapy services who used the FEPSim device. We used purposive sampling to recruit ten participants over a period of fourteen months. Semi-structured interview questions (topic guided) examined the technology acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device.
RESULTS
Six factors were found to be critical aspects of the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device. These factors were useful for therapy, effortlessness, environmental conditions, internal encouragement, technological aesthetics, and use.
CONCLUSIONS
The FEPSim device was widely accepted by therapists. The use of the FEPSim device is a feasible alternative for supporting hand therapy.
CLINICALTRIAL
Not applicable