Understanding the adoption of digital workflows in orthotic & prosthetic practice from practitioner perspectives: a qualitative descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of digital technology (DT) in orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) has been slow despite recent research suggesting that the use of DT will continue to grow and become more prevalent within the industry. There is a need to further investigate DT in O&P practice and the current state of its use in the field. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the views and experiences of practitioners using DT workflows in their O&P practice. METHODS: In this qualitative descriptive study, 10 in-depth, semistructured interviews with O&P practitioners were conducted. A content analysis was performed to analyze the transcripts and identify key themes from the data. RESULTS: The study examined the experiences of practitioners using or trying to use DT in their practices, and three key themes were identified on the implementation of digital practice: 1) technological advancement and scientific evidence; 2) marketplace, economic, and operational factors; and 3) industry mindset shift in embracing DT practice. CONCLUSION: A collaborative effort involving academia, healthcare institutions, vendors, and individual practitioners will be required to facilitate the widespread adoption of DT in O&P. More work is required to overcome challenges from the technical, logistical, and cultural aspects.

'It's more than just a running leg': a qualitative study of running-specific prosthesis use by children and youth with lower limb absence.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of running-specific prostheses (RSPs) by children with lower limb absence (LLA) along with the benefits and challenges of RSPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this descriptive qualitative study, eight children (ages 8-20 years) and their parents participated in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Coded data were the foundation for central theme development. RESULTS: Three main themes were generated. "Run faster, jump higher, do more" (the benefits of RSP use), "Every leg serves its purpose" (comparing functionality between daily use prostheses and RSPs), and "A lot more to think about" (additional considerations with RSP use). CONCLUSIONS: RSPs have a positive impact in promoting children's engagement in sports and physical activities. While some children used their RSP primarily for running, others wore it for a broader range of physical activities. Issues with balance and discomfort caused by leg length discrepancies and/or ill-fitting sockets limited daily wear time. Limitations related to current RSP designs and clinical implementation should be addressed to optimize the functional potential of children with unilateral or bilateral LLA.Implications for rehabilitationRunning-specific prostheses (RSPs) positively impacted children's ability to participate in some sports with peers promoting their physical and social well-being.The main issues that children faced were discomfort, difficulty balancing, and inability to use RSPs for certain sports, while parents' issues focused on supporting prosthesis use and transport, and adjustments of different prostheses to keep up with their child's growth.Clinicians should be aware of the challenges of RSP use to best support children and their families.Designers should focus on addressing limitations with current RSPs to facilitate the diverse needs of pediatric users.

Excelling in the role of advocate: a qualitative study exploring advocacy as an essential physiotherapy competency.

PURPOSE: To explore the perspectives of leading advocates regarding the attributes required for excelling in the advocate role as described within the Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada (2009). METHODS: We used a descriptive qualitative design involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with leading Canadian advocates within the physiotherapy profession. Transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The 17 participants identified eight attributes necessary for excelling in the role of advocate: collaboration, communication, scholarly practice, management, professionalism, passion, perseverance, and humility. The first five attributes correspond to roles within the Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada. Participants identified the attributes of collaboration, communication, and scholarly practice as the most important for successful advocacy. Participants also noted that the eight identified attributes must be used together and tailored to meet the needs of the advocacy setting. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying these eight attributes is an important first step in understanding how competence in the advocate role can be developed among physiotherapy students and practitioners. Most importantly, this study contributes to the knowledge base that helps physiotherapists to excel in advocating for their clients and the profession.

Objectif: Étudier les points de vue des principaux défenseurs au sujet des qualités requises pour exceller dans le rôle de défenseur décrit dans le Profil des compétences essentielles des physiothérapeutes au Canada (2009). Méthodes: Nous avons utilisé un contexte qualitatif descriptif comportant des entrevues semi-structurées détaillées réalisées auprès de défenseurs canadiens de premier plan de la profession. Nous avons codé les entrevues transcrites et les avons analysées en appliquant une analyse thématique. Résultats: Les 17 participants ont défini huit qualités nécessaires pour exceller dans le rôle de défenseur: collaboration, communication, pratique savante, gestion, professionnalisme, passion, persévérance et humilité. Les cinq premières qualités correspondent aux rôles décrits dans le Profil des compétences essentielles des physiothérapeutes au Canada. Les participants ont considéré la collaboration, la communication et la pratique savante comme les qualités les plus importantes pour réussir comme défenseur. Ils ont aussi signalé que les huit qualités définies doivent servir ensemble et être personnalisées de façon à répondre aux besoins du contexte de défense. Conclusion: La détermination de ces huit qualités constitue une première étape importante pour comprendre comment les étudiants en physiothérapie et les praticiens peuvent devenir défenseurs compétents. Le plus important: cette étude contribue à la base de savoir qui aide les physiothérapeutes à exceller dans la défense de leurs clients et de la profession.