Experienced usability and feasability of accelerometers by occupational therapists working with patients with COPD

OT’s get the opportunity to try the accelerometer by themselves. After that, the accelerometer is given to the patient. Then the patient and the OT’s come together to read the findings from the PC. The OT’s are being interviewed about the experienced usability and feasibility of the accelerometer. These data get analyzed according to the principles of qualitative research. From these data conclusions about the experienced usability and feasibility of the accelerometer were drawn.

Accelerometers are already widely used in research in chronic diseases, but also increasingly used by health professionals in general practice. It is however not known in occupational therapy, if these measurements are feasible. Furthermore, no literature had been found whether and how data coming from these measurements are usable in assessing and guiding patients in occupational performance.

Interview are being held in the week of the 27th of April and the 4th of May with the OT’s. (max. 1 hour per interview)

The occupational therapists provide patients with an accelerometer to see if they obtain information about the activity level and the energy management of the patient. The Activ8 and Fitbit Flex are the accelerometers being used.