Abstract
Purpose :
Covid-19 had a significant effect on the lives of individuals living with visual impairment. Guide dog users have been especially affected, experiencing a significant decrease in confidence related to independent travel, partially due to the inability to access follow-up services during lockdown. While telerehabilitation services are identified as a potential solution, it is essential to understand the strengths and limitations of such an approach, including safety considerations, and the specific client profiles and tasks that would be most optimally served through remote intervention. The goal of this study was to explore the factors to consider when determining the suitability of telerehabilitation services for prospective and current guide dog users, by drawing on the expertise of guide dog mobility instructors (GDMI) and orientation and mobility specialists (O&Ms).
Methods :
Data collection was conducted employing a mixed-methods approach. A survey gathered perspectives on challenges faced by guide dog users, potential advantages and limitations of telerehabilitation, and recommendations for effective implementation. A focus group discussion then delved deeper into survey findings.
Results :
14 professionals completed the survey, of which n=8 are O&Ms, n=3 are GDMI, n=2 are both, and n=1 is a psycho-educator. Moreover, n= 6 had already provided telerehabilitation services throughout their career while n=12 believe in the possibility of providing some types of support through telerehabilitation services to guide dog users. Analysis of the qualitative data showed that most specialists believe terehabilitation could be beneficial for theory-based interventions (answering questions, more frequent follow-up sessions, etc.). One specialist highlighted the importance of home visits for potential guide dog users because they are not always forthcoming about their environment, lifestyle or personal habits.
Conclusions :
Results of this study allow us to better understand which type of interventions, if any, could be given remotely to better support potential and current guide dog users. The majority of our participants believe that some types of interventions could be feasible through telerehabilitation; however, some technical and safety concerns, such as access and limitations of technology, should be addressed to be able to do so effectively and safely.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.