Professionals’ perspectives on the challenges of implementing digital solutions in rehabilitation settings in Rwanda

Abstract

The need for rehabilitation is unmet, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Rwanda. Digital rehabilitation offers significant potential for delivering rehabilitation services in low-resource settings, and this study examines the challenges affecting the digitalization of rehabilitation. Semistructured interviews and a survey were conducted in Rwanda with rehabilitation professionals to collect data for two different projects. The different datasets were analyzed using thematic analysis and inductive content analysis. As a result, three main concepts were formed: context-related factors, individual-related factors, and technology-related factors. Results suggest that the challenges in implementing digital solutions in rehabilitation settings in Rwanda encompass various domains, including socioeconomic factors, infrastructure, digital competency, regulatory frameworks, and userrelated factors. In conclusion, because of multifaceted challenges, systemiclevel change is needed to realize the potential of the digitalization of rehabilitation and other health care services in Rwanda.