Exploring occupational therapists’ perceptions of the use of functional electrical stimulation in adult stroke rehabilitation

Purpose: Stroke is one of the leading global causes of disability, with motor deficits, particularly in the upper limb, being among 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). However, an evidence-practice gap exists in the application of FES. This study aimed to explore occupational therapists’ perceptions of using FES in adult stroke rehabilitation in Gauteng, South Africa. Materials and Methods: This study employed a descriptive qualitative research design. Twelve occupational therapists participated in semi-structured interviews conducted via an online platform. The research population included clinicians working in the neurorehabilitation field in Gauteng, South Africa from both public and private healthcare sectors. An inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Three themes emerged from this qualitative study, namely, ‘A Tug of War’, ‘The Lost Leading the Lost’ and ‘A Puzzle of Practicality’. These themes unravel the perceptions of occupational therapists and explore the factors that influence the use of FES in stroke rehabilitation. 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.