Lessons learned about development and assessment of feasibility of tools for health and rehabilitation services.

BACKGROUND: Given the dire need for health and rehabilitation services internationally, exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a critical need to develop tools to support service delivery. This need is palpable in the Global South where tools developed in Eurocentric contexts are not always adaptable, applicable, or relevant. It is for this reason that the researchers present three case studies of tool development using pilot and feasibility studies in South Africa and share the lessons learned from these studies.

OBJECTIVES: To describe three case studies that developed new tools for health and rehabilitation services using pilot and feasibility studies. To synthesize lessons learned from these case studies on the development of tools.

METHOD: The researchers describe three case studies that were developed. The case studies are summarized as follows: aims and objectives, context, problem, study design, findings, and what happened after the study. Thereafter, a qualitative cross-case analysis was conducted by the researchers to generate themes.

FINDINGS: The case studies are described individually and followed by themes identified through cross-case analysis.

DISCUSSION: The lessons learned are discussed. It is essential to develop new tools and protocols, motivated by the need for equitable and contextually relevant practices. Partnerships and collaboration with end-users are critical for success. A critical, scientific process is essential in developing new tools. Pilot and feasibility studies are invaluable in developing tools and assessing the feasibility of tools and implementation. The goal is to develop practical, usable tools and protocols.

CONCLUSION: Through the lessons learned, the researchers are hopeful that the international health and rehabilitation professions will continue to strengthen the scientific development of contextually relevant tools and resources.