A QUALITATIVE STUDY EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF A MODIFIED PS4 DUALSHOCK CREATED BY AN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELLBEING OF QUADRIPLEGIC SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Objectives: The aims of this study are to explore (a) the perceptions of quality of life and wellbeing among people living with quadriplegic spinal cord injuries; (b) how the modified PlayStation4 DualShock controller influences their quality of life and wellbeing – with consideration to the factors participants identify as contributing to, enabling, or constraining the quality of their lives; and (c) if the DualShock controller modification enabled participants to recognize that, with the right adaptations, they could engage in some of their meaningful pre-injury occupations and be motivated to consider the possibility of attempting new meaningful occupations and hobbies post-injury. Methods: A qualitative methodology and an exploratory design were used. Semi-structured interviews with both men (n=6) and women (n=1) were completed with people who have quadriplegic spinal cord injuries (C5–C6) and an interest in gaming. Interpretive analysis was grounded in the themes that arose from the interview transcripts. The participants were recruited from a rehabilitation hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: The time since onset of injury ranged from one to fourteen years. The mean age was 27 years old with an age range from 18 to 45 years old. The study respondents living with quadriplegic spinal cord injuries claimed that the disability significantly affected their quality of life, as they became dependent on others, leading to subsequent depression. The use of a modified PlayStation4 DualShock controller improved their quality of life and wellbeing by enabling them to participate in a meaningful leisure activity. Three of the seven participants reported and reflected that they felt motivated after trying the modified DualShock controller. They also shared that they were subsequently willing to attempt new activities and resume hobbies with the help of their occupational therapists. As for the other four participants, they expressed a desire to return to gaming via using the modified DualShock controller. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that life with quadriplegic spinal cord injuries can be rich and fulfilling if occupational therapists are prepared to embrace the use of assistive technology, such as the modified DualShock controller.