The readiness of physiotherapists to use technology within their profession

Abstract

This exploratory research revolves around the investigation of technological readiness within the context of the current state of the local ehealth and technology scene within which Maltese physiotherapists and physiotherapy students must exist. Technology is set to integrate heavily into Maltese public healthcare and with its users being one of the greatest factors for its success, determining their technological readiness can in the national interest. Whilst both private and publicsectors can benefit from health-IT, it is not without its risks and challenges. Risks to data, fruitless investments and hampered operations are just some challenges which must be addressed. Education, professional development, understanding user needs and mitigating all associated risk are key to ensure health-IT is a step forward not backwards. Quantitative and qualitative research was conducted among students, public-sector physiotherapists and major stakeholders. Within current student and physiotherapist populations, individuals who embrace and those don’t embrace technology are found in equal amounts, however both will have to co-exist with an ever increasing IT-presence. Interviews with key-stakeholders from health administration, informatics and education revealed various facts about the current state of affairs. Challenges and problems where highlighted and investment road-maps given. Standing out from these was unanimous disapproval of the void within general education where technology/IT-related education/training should exist. Significant effort required to deal with end-users, often their detachment from technology and needs which oppose those of their organization where also highlighted. Aside from ehealth needs technological readiness also has implications on IT security. This research presents an informative foundation of information to give insight into this new area (locally speaking) and guide future research in an area where significant investment will occur. Recommendations are given for immediate action and along with suggested directions for further research based on discovered gaps.