Remote Home Visit: Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and potential benefits of using digital technology to undertake occupational therapy home assessments

• DOI: 10.1177/0308022620921111
• Publication Date: 2020-05-23T05:53:45Z
• Authors: Jennifer Read; Natalie Jones; Colette Fegan; Peter Cudd; Emma Simpson; Suvodeep Mazumdar; Fabio Ciravegna
• Keywords: Snowball sampling; Visitor pattern; Qualitative property

Introduction Home assessments are integral to the occupational therapy role, providing opportunities personalise and integrate care. However, they resource intensive declining in number. A 3-month service development within one United Kingdom National Health Service acute hospital setting explored concept of using digital technology undertake remote home assessments. Methods Four work streams concept’s feasibility acceptability: real-world testing; user consultations; narrative case study collection; traditional visit use exploration. Project participants were therapists patient public representatives recruited via snowball sampling or critical sampling. Qualitative data thematically analysed identifying key themes. Analysis quantitative provided descriptive statistics. Findings The was feasible four specific contexts. themes suggest acceptability depends on visitor safety, training, induction standardisation practice. Consultees perceived approach have potential for savings, personalisation integration Barriers acceptance included security, governance, failure threat therapists’ role skills. Conclusion Applying assessment appears acceptable a context. Further research is recommended develop technology, test investigate benefits wider contexts stakeholder groups.