874 Developing a Global Framework for Digital Health in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Clinician Perspectives of the Use of Digital Technologies in the TBI Care Pathway

Abstract

Abstract Aim To explore neurosurgical clinicians' perspectives on the integration of digital technologies in the TBI care pathway. To develop a guiding framework for digital technology integration through determining its current use in TBI care and exploring potential optimisation points in the care pathway. Method A cross-sectional, pragmatic, qualitative study using critical realist-informed thematic analysis. International recruitment of neurosurgical clinicians occurred through purposive sampling and data collection through MS Teams interviews March-July 2024. Semi-structured interviews explored technology availability, healthcare infrastructure, clinical pathways, and contextual challenges of technology use. Analysis followed Wiltshire and Ronkainen's five-step critical realist thematic analysis using NVIVO™ software. The University of Cambridge Engineering Department Research Ethics Committee reviewed this study and provided ethical approval (Project ID: #431). Results Six inductive themes emerged from the analysis: Availability, Acceptability, Applicability, Capability, Feasibility, and Possibility. These themes formed the foundation of a novel conceptual framework for digital health technology design and implementation, visualised as a hexagonal radar chart. The framework demonstrates the interplay between themes and their relationship to broader concepts of "Intervention & Adoption" and "Context & Infrastructure," allowing for nuanced representation of different technologies in various contexts. Conclusions The study revealed significant disparities in technology availability and utilisation between urban and rural areas and across income settings. While digital technologies show promise for enhancing TBI care, implementation success depends on considering multiple factors including digital literacy, infrastructure, and cultural attitudes. The developed framework serves as a practical tool for guiding future research, policy, and practice in digital technology integration across diverse global healthcare contexts.

Ähnliche Arbeiten