RADIC Handbook - 5. Barriers and strategies to overcome these barriers
As you have already learned in chapter 1, Digital Rehabilitation has a number of potential benefits for clients, rehabilitation professionals and the healthcare system in globally and in East Africa. However, there may also be some obstacles, which could hinder its use.
In this chapter, we explain the potential barriers that can arise when applying Digital Rehabilitation, especially in the context of East Africa. We also show potential strategies to address these barriers in order to exploit the potential of Digital Rehabilitation.
Thus, the content of this chapter is:
Summary
- Some potential barriers are existing to use or apply Digital Rehabilitation services.
- The main barriers are limited accessibility to internet, a functioning digital device (smartphone or computer), limited digital literacy and/or lack of awareness and acceptability. A poor design and a lack of regulations and legislations are also challenges in application of digital services.
- These barriers could possibly have a negative effect on the accessibility of the service and/or on the motivation or adherence of the client/rehabilitation professional to use this service and thus on the effectiveness of the intervention.
- Above all, strategies should be developed at a systemic level to break down these barriers, such as support for the expansion of nationwide internet coverage.