Adolescent and parent experiences with Tele-Active Rehabilitation for concussion: an exploratory qualitative study
Josh Shore1, Alana Bernick1, Emily Nalder1,2
1Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Brain Injury
|August 22, 2022
Summary
Adolescents with concussion and their parents found Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) convenient and comfortable. This remote approach facilitated adolescents taking ownership of their recovery, suggesting Tele-AR
Area of Science:
- Pediatric rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Concussion recovery in adolescents can be challenging.
- Traditional rehabilitation may have accessibility barriers.
- Telehealth offers a potential solution for remote interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore adolescent and parent experiences with a novel Tele-Active Rehabilitation (Tele-AR) intervention.
- To understand perspectives on remote delivery, valued program aspects, and perceived benefits.
- To assess the feasibility of Tele-AR for concussion recovery.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive study within a mixed-methods project.
- Semi-structured interviews with 3 adolescents (14-17 years) and their parents.
- Thematic analysis of interview data following a 6-week Tele-AR intervention.
Main Results:
- Four key themes emerged: enabling access, individualized focus, responsibility for recovery, and home-based convenience.
- Participants valued the convenience and comfort of remote rehabilitation.
- Adolescents reported learning to take responsibility for their recovery process.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents and parents were satisfied with the Tele-AR intervention.
- The remote approach facilitated adolescent engagement and responsibility in recovery.
- Tele-AR shows promise as an accessible intervention for adolescent concussion recovery.
