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

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 rehabilitat...

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Main Authors: Kaisa Jokinen, Michael Oduor, Gerard Urimubenshi, Juliette Gasana, Jean Damascene Bigirimana, David K. Tumusiime, Eeva Aartolahti, Kari-Pekka Murtonen, Katariina Korniloff
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-08-01
Series:Frontiers in Digital Health
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fdgth.2025.1489288/full
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Summary: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. Semi-structured 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 user-related factors. In conclusion, because of multifaceted challenges, systemic-level change is needed to realize the potential of the digitalization of rehabilitation and other health care services in Rwanda.
ISSN:2673-253X