Exploring Occupational Therapists’ Perceptions of the Use of Functional Electrical Stimulation in Adult Stroke Rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: Stroke is one of the global leading causes of disability, with motor deficits, particularly in the upper limb, being among one of the most common and debilitating consequences. Occupational therapists are crucial members of the multidisciplinary team, working to enhance patients' participation in daily activities by addressing motor impairments through interventions such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). This study aimed to explore occupational therapists' perceptions of using FES in adult stroke rehabilitation and to examine the factors influencing its application in stroke rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. occupational therapists participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via an online platform. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Three themes emerged from this research study, namely, ‘A Tug of War’, ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’ and ‘A Puzzle of Practicality. ‘A Tug of War’ encompasses conflicting feelings of understanding the benefits of FES, the ideals held by the participants and holding feelings of caution. ‘The Blind Leading the Blind’ covers the gap in knowledge and skill surrounding the use of FES. Lastly, ‘A Puzzle of Practicality’ demonstrates the multitude of factors that play a role in using FES in context, illustrating client factors, how FES is being used, its frequency, accessibility, and usability in practice. These themes unravel the perceptions of occupational therapists and explore the factors that influence the use of FES in stroke rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa. Conclusion: Many identified perceptions and factors challenge the use of FES in adult stroke rehabilitation. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving evidence- based practices in occupational therapy, especially for motor impairments after stroke.