eHealth challenges in rehabilitation processes - rehabilitation professionals’ experiences in the North Savo region

Aging people are forced to steadily extend their working-lives since the old-age dependency ratio will rise considerably in the near future. Meanwhile, social and healthcare resources will become increasingly scarce, although the need for healthcare and rehabilitation services is bound to increase. The aim of this study was to examine rehabilitation professionals’ experiences related to eHealth and technology in the rehabilitation process in the North Savo region. The research was carried out as a part of the European Social Fund (ESF) funded project ”Expertise and Business Network for  Rehabilitation Services in Northern Savo”. 30 rehabilitation workers were interviewed (67% women) in 2020. The participants were aged 24-60 years and their job titles were e.g. doctors, physiotherapists, practical nurses and community sector representatives. The interviews were carried out using a semi-structured format. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the inductive content analysis method. The technology and digitalisation experiences of the rehabilitation workers in North Savo region can be divided into five categories. Technical problems causing challenges in rehabilitation included inadequate information and patient data management, and poor or lacking data-applications, ICT-tools and systems. The cost of technology was perceived as a factor influencing rehabilitation from both an individual and organisational perspective. The emergence of COVID-19 has had a positive impact on the use of technology and digital services. Suitable technology and digital services for rehabilitation need to be developed towards a more individual, client-centric direction. To promote the adoption of technology in the field of rehabilitation and to support positive change in attitudes towards technology, more education is needed. The ever-evolving field of rehabilitation demands effective eHealth applications and processes alongside highly competent rehabilitation professionals to meet the needs of the aging population base in North Savo region. There is a need for more client-centric eHealth and rehabilitation processes, wherein the rehabilitation workers’ needs are met – physically and psychosocially. By bringing together rehabilitation and ICT expertise in North Savo region, it is possible to provide training and education to raise the level of both the rehabilitation processes and level of expertise of rehabilitation workers in the region.