Student Competition (Clinical/Best Practice Implementation) ID 1974598

Abstract

Rehabilitation after spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-long process with individuals accessing care in a variety of settings, including centres without SCI-specific services (i.e., non-SCI-specialized centres). Activity-based Therapy (ABT) is a relatively new neurorestorative approach that involves intensive, task-specific movement practice below the level of injury. This study aimed to understand current knowledge, perceptions, and use of ABT by physical and occupational therapists at non-SCI-specialized centres. A qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to develop an interview guide that queried therapists’ experiences providing SCI rehabilitation, perceptions of ABT and ABT implementation. Canadian therapists who worked with at least one SCI patient in the last 18 months and practiced at non-SCI-specialized centres participated. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretive description. Four physical and three occupational therapists from acute, inpatient, long-term care and outpatient settings participated. Three themes were determined: 1) Perceived challenges of working with SCI in non-SCI-specialized centres, 2) Current therapy techniques used and 3) Desire for ABT knowledge and implementation strategies specific to non-SCI-specialized centres. It was identified that participants were unknowingly incorporating some components of ABT in their practice. Participants emphasized challenges to ABT implementation, such as knowledge gaps, and expressed a keenness to learn more about ABT. Current implementation of ABT in non-SCI-specialized centres is limited, with a variety of challenges and therapist needs identified. Tailoring ABT education to therapists at non-SCI-specialized centres may increase implementation of ABT at these centres.