Patient, carer, and staff perceptions of robotics in motor rehabilitation: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis

Laparidou, Despina; Curtis, Ffion; Akanuwe, Joseph; Goher, Khaled; Niroshan Siriwardena, A.; Kucukyilmaz, Ayse

Abstract

Background: In recent years, robotic rehabilitation devices have often been used for motor training. However, to date, no systematic reviews of qualitative studies exploring the end-user experiences of robotic devices in motor rehabilitation have been published. The aim of this study was to review end-users’ (patients, carers and healthcare professionals) experiences with robotic devices in motor rehabilitation, by conducting a systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis of qualitative studies concerning the users’ experiences with such robotic devices.

Methods: Qualitative studies and mixed-methods studies with a qualitative element were eligible for inclusion. Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to August 2020, supplemented with internet searches and forward and backward citation tracking from the included studies and review articles. Data were synthesised thematically following the Thomas and Harden approach. The CASP Qualitative Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies of this review.

Results: The search strategy identified a total of 13,556 citations and after removing duplicates and excluding citations based on title and abstract, and full text screening, 30 studies were included. All studies were considered of acceptable quality. We developed six analytical themes: logistic barriers; technological challenges; appeal and engagement; supportive interactions and relationships; benefits for physical, psychological, and social function(ing); and expanding and sustaining therapeutic options.

Conclusions: Despite experiencing technological and logistic challenges, participants found robotic devices acceptable, useful and beneficial (physically, psychologically, and socially), as well as fun and interesting. Having supportive relationships with significant others and positive therapeutic relationships with healthcare staff were considered the foundation for successful rehabilitation and recovery.

Citation

Laparidou, D., Curtis, F., Akanuwe, J., Goher, K., Niroshan Siriwardena, A., & Kucukyilmaz, A. (2021). Patient, carer, and staff perceptions of robotics in motor rehabilitation: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation, 18(1), Article 181. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00976-3

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 6, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Dec 25, 2021
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2021
• Deposit Date: Dec 26, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 6, 2022
• Journal: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 1743-0003
• Electronic ISSN: 1743-0003
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 1
• Article Number: 181
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-021-00976-3
• Keywords: Robotics, Motor rehabilitation, Patients, Carers, Staff, Perceptions, Experiences, Systematic review, Metasynthesis
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/7108278
• Publisher URL: https://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-021-00976-3
• Additional Information: Received: 28 July 2021; Accepted: 6 December 2021; First Online: 25 December 2021; : ; : Not applicable.; : Not applicable.; : The authors declare that they have no competing interests.