Application of the extended technology acceptance model to explore clinician likelihood to use robotics in rehabilitation

Evidence suggests that patients with upper limb impairment following a stroke do not receive recommended amounts of motor practice. Robotics provide a potential solution to address this gap, but clinical adoption is low. The aim of this study was to utilize the technology acceptance model as a framework to identify factors influencing clinician adoption of robotic devices into practice.
Mixed methods including survey data and focus group discussions with allied health clinicians whose primary caseload was rehabilitation of the neurologically impaired upper limb. Surveys based on the technology acceptance measure were completed pre/post exposure to and use of a robotic device. Focus groups discussions based on the theory of planned behaviour were conducted at the conclusion of the study.
A total of 34 rehabilitation clinicians completed the surveys with pre-implementation data indicating that rehabilitation clinicians perceive robotic devices as complex to use, which influenced intention to use such devices in practice. The focus groups found that lack of experience and time to learn influenced confidence to implement robotic devices into practice.
This study found that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of a robotic device in clinical rehabilitation can be improved through experience, training and embedded technological support. However, training and embedded support are not routinely offered, suggesting there is a discordance between current implementation and the learning needs of rehabilitation clinicians.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION
Patients do not receive adequate amounts of upper limb motor practice following a stroke, and although robotic devices have the potential to address this gap, clinical adoption is low.
The technology acceptance model identified that clinicians perceive robotic devices to be complex to use with current implementation efforts failing to consider their training needs.
Implementation adoption of robotic devices in rehabilitation should be supported with adequate training and technological support if sustainable practice change is to be achieved.

Patients do not receive adequate amounts of upper limb motor practice following a stroke, and although robotic devices have the potential to address this gap, clinical adoption is low.
The technology acceptance model identified that clinicians perceive robotic devices to be complex to use with current implementation efforts failing to consider their training needs.
Implementation adoption of robotic devices in rehabilitation should be supported with adequate training and technological support if sustainable practice change is to be achieved.

有研究证据表明，脑卒中后上肢功能障碍患者未获得推荐剂量的运动训练。机器人技术为填补这一临床空白提供了潜在解决方案，但当前机器人设备的临床普及率较低。本研究旨在以技术接受模型（Technology Acceptance Model）为框架，探究影响临床人员将机器人设备应用于临床实践的相关因素。

本研究采用混合研究范式，涵盖针对以神经受损上肢康复为主要接诊业务的辅助医疗临床人员的调查数据与焦点小组讨论。基于技术接受度量表（Technology Acceptance Measure）的调查分别在接触并使用机器人设备前后完成；本研究末期还基于计划行为理论（Theory of Planned Behaviour）开展了焦点小组讨论。

最终共有34名康复临床人员完成了调查，实施前的数据显示，康复临床人员普遍认为机器人设备操作复杂，这一认知降低了他们在临床中使用此类设备的意愿。焦点小组讨论结果表明，缺乏操作经验与学习时间，会削弱临床人员将机器人设备应用于实践的信心。

本研究发现，通过实践经验、专项培训与嵌入式技术支持，可以有效提升临床康复场景中机器人设备的感知有用性与感知易用性。但目前临床并未常规提供此类培训与嵌入式技术支持，这表明当前机器人设备的落地实践与康复临床人员的学习需求之间存在明显脱节。

【康复领域应用启示】
脑卒中后上肢功能障碍患者未获得足量的上肢运动训练，尽管机器人设备具备填补这一空白的潜力，但临床普及率仍较低。
技术接受模型分析显示，临床人员认为机器人设备操作复杂，当前的落地推广工作未充分考虑其培训需求。
若要实现康复领域机器人设备应用的可持续实践变革，需为其临床推广提供充足的培训与技术支持。

脑卒中后上肢功能障碍患者未获得足量的上肢运动训练，尽管机器人设备具备填补这一空白的潜力，但临床普及率仍较低。
技术接受模型分析显示，临床人员认为机器人设备操作复杂，当前的落地推广工作未充分考虑其培训需求。
若要实现康复领域机器人设备应用的可持续实践变革，需为其临床推广提供充足的培训与技术支持。