Snow, PeterTehrany, RokhsanehBin Shalhoub, Sara2023-12-032023-12-032023-12-01https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14154/70024Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are the leading cause of disability around the world. Occupational therapists (OTs) are part of the multidisciplinary team and have a vital role in the management of these conditions. Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology that demonstrated positive outcomes for managing pain and other different medical conditions. With its growing interest towards the intervention, the use of VR as a treatment intervention for musculoskeletal conditions is increasing. Since OTs might play a role in the delivery of VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions in the future, research is required to understand the current level of knowledge, experience and views of occupational therapy workforce about using the technology in MSK settings. Aims The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, perception and views of OTs towards using VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that involved the collection data through an online survey questionnaire via Microsoft Forms, which was disseminated through social media platforms. Participants were eligible to participate if they were OTs, support workers or students from any clinical, research or leadership background, as the study was interested in obtaining all views. The questionnaire included up to 26 questions which collected data on demographics, and asked participants to rate their perceived views, knowledge and experience according to a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: In total, (65) responses were received from participants from Saudi Arabia (n= 46). United States (n= 10), Poland (n= 6), United Kingdom (n= 3) The majority of participants were clinicians (n= 37, 43%), where just under a third worked in a Higher Education Institute (n= 20, 31%). Overall, OTs reported having limited knowledge on the use of VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions, although there was a greater awareness about their use for managing neurological conditions. Arthritis was the most anticipated MSK condition by OTs to benefit from VR in rehabilitation (n=10) followed by upper limbs injury (n= 8). Only (29%) of participants reported using VR as an intervention. The majority of respondents expressed their willingness to engage with VR training (91%) and deliver VR for pain and MSK management (87%). The cost of purchase was viewed as the most important barrier (49%) to implementing VR to MSK settings followed by patient’s acceptability (48%). Summary and Conclusions: Despite the limited knowledge OTs have surrounding VR interventions for the management of MSK conditions, the majority of OTs were open to developing their skills and knowledge, and being involved in their delivery in the future. Multiple barriers to implanting VR interventions within the MSK setting also exist, they need to be taken into consideration when designing/evaluating interventions in the future. It is recommended that future research focus on the roles and experiences of OTs in delivering VR interventions for MSK conditions management as there is a lack of well-designed trials on the topic.39enOccupational Therapy Musculoskeletal DisordersOccupational therapyVirtual RealityVirtual reality occupational therapyvirtual reality musculoskeletal conditions and disordersThesis