Physiotherapists' experiences of adopting an eTool in clinical practice: a post-phenomenological investigation

The purpose of this investigation was to gain insights into the experience of adoption and integration of an electronic tool in physiotherapy. The research data was generated through close observation of eight clinical encounters in primary health care, where the electronic tool was used, and then the physiotherapists were interviewed in-depth on the experience of adopting and using it. The analysis, inspired by post-phenomenological theory and research, reveals how physiotherapists deploy their clinical reasoning skills in an active, critical appropriation of the eTool. Despite an ambiguous attitude toward the tool, they develop an ownership to the eTool that enables them to balance and combine two modes of practice; that of collecting data for research purposes and that of treating the patient. It seems that this ownership development is crucial to stimulate continued use of the eTool.