Experiences of adults using feedback-based technology to improve physical function in rehabilitation: study protocol for a qualitative systematic review

Question: What are the experiences of adults using feedback-based technology to improve their physical function during rehabilitation? Design: A systematic review with meta-synthesis of qualitative studies is proposed. Participants: Adults (aged ≥ 15 years) participating in neurological or aged care rehabilitation. Intervention: Feedback-based technology (technology providing feedback to the user about task performance or dose of practice) used as an intervention to improve physical function or physical activity levels. Outcomes: Experiences of using feedback-based technology (learning, accepting, adopting, practicing and progressing), as well as barriers and facilitators to use. Methods: Meta-synthesis of qualitative studies involving the following steps: 1) a systematic search of 10 electronic databases and grey literature, and hand-searching of reference lists of included studies, 2) screening of search results and abstracts for study selection, 3) data extraction, 4) quality appraisal of included studies using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist, and 5) qualitative synthesis to identify common themes and concepts across studies. The Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) statement will be used to report study methods and results. Discussion: This meta-synthesis will provide new knowledge about how feedback-based technologies are currently being used in rehabilitation, and describe users’ experiences. Review registration: PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews Registration No. CRD42015017119