5. Discussion

According to the results found in this study, it can be affirmed that existing technologies in orthopedics and traumatology partially carry out the function intended. Those that perform the function intended are efficient and help improve the quality of physical therapy care. According to Barra (2006), these technologies should be incorporated to companies committed to quality and growth since they are tools that permit obtaining better use of the company’s human or material resources.

The partial function performed by these technologies may be related to expectations of professionals in relation to the contributions the technology can provide its users (Rocha, Castiglioni, 2005), to how they are used (Araújo et. al. 2003) and to their maintenance (Macedo et. al. 2003). According to Sperb, Arenhart (2006) user satisfaction with technology and the production of successful products are related to the integration of ergonomics and design. Information from physical therapy is important in the search for product designs that offer greater quality to the user.

Better quality of physical quality care as a consequence of technologies used may be related to their efficiency, and, according to Rocha and Castiglioni (2005) to increasing investments in production and application of knowledge to specific products in the field of rehabilitation interventions. According to Barra (2006), this is also due to quick technological transformations in the health sector, where every moment new and different techniques and more modern machines appear in the market.

It must be pointed out that certain technologies in the studied area fit the category of physical therapy products that should have a certificate of compliance with technical norms, which collaborates towards their efficiency. Brazil has a complete and unprecedented system of quality control for health products regulated by the Ministry of Health and INMETRO – National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (Mühlen, 2001). This enters into conflict with the warning by Bertolini, Nohama (2007) to health professionals, patients, the general population and public entities responsible for quality management and control. Those authors affirm that equipment like the physical therapy laser operates in precarious conditions, which should not occur since Brazil is so privileged in terms of quality control.

It is also important to underscore that in accordance with Callegaro (2010) treatment efficiency depends not only on technology, but also on the correct specification of equipment operation data and supervision of the process by the physical therapist. Remembering that he is the professional trained to rehabilitate and work with movement disorders.

Much of the current technology to automate therapy involves setting up a device and access to software interface (Reinkensmeyer et. al. 2002). So the ease in use reported by those interviewed, can be explained, according to Prates (2007) by friendly interfaces for human beings, which facilitates information flow and procedures.

In relation to maintenance difficulties referred to by most of those interviewed, Vieira (2007) says the interpretation of the term "ease" by those interviewed is important. It can be expressed as the least possible use of resources and/or efforts needed for proper execution of a specific maintenance action, obtaining the best results possible and also observing aspects related to cost, quality, safety and others.

            The overall result of the study also revealed that a majority of those interviewed agree that the technologies assist in the efficacy of physical therapy treatment and accelerate patient recovery, contributing towards solving clinical cases. This can be a result of technology quality and whether it is user-friendly, which collaborates towards the correct use and the professional’s trust in the effects provided by these devices. Furthermore, according to Couto (2001 apud Weis 2004) it is important to be aware of equipment failure. Periodic check-ups are of fundamental importance for the technology to function correctly and to obtain reliable results.

The increase in the physical therapist’s daily productivity related to an increase number of patients seen is a result that agrees with Prates’ (2007) study. In his research, he says those interviewed are unanimous in stating that productivity grows with the use of ergonomic knowledge, proper technology and policies for quality of life at work. The association of these tools is an essential factor for increasing production with quality.

In this study, most of those interviewed disagree that existing technologies assist in reducing daily wear on the physical therapist, such as they do not reduce the need for using physical force. According to Callegaro et. al. (2010) this is due to the fact the technology does not replace area professionals; it is a work tool for the physical therapist that helps in patient treatment. On the other hand, Oliveira (1997) says the technologies represent a significant increase in productivity at work which indicates an assumed elimination of heavy tasks.

6. Conclusion

According to study results, it was concluded that existing technologies in orthopedics and traumatology partially fulfill the function intended. Those that do are efficient and help improve quality of physical therapy care. They also help improve efficacy of physical therapy care, accelerating the recovery process and solution of clinical cases, are user-friendly, but not easy to maintain. They assist in the professional’s daily productivity since they permit a greater number of daily patients, but they do not reduce wear on the physical therapist nor do they minimize the need for using physical force.

The objectives proposed in the study were thus reached. That is, information was obtained on the level of satisfaction of physical therapists who work with orthopedics and conventional traumatology in relation to existing technologies in the area in the diverse aspects presented. Professional opinions diverge depending on their experiences and types of technologies used for each professional, which led to an analysis of the level of satisfaction related to each question raised.

Thus, other studies can be conducted, and equipment developed and/or qualified that seeks to satisfy the needs of area professionals. For such, other studies can be conducted with physical therapists about their opinions in relation to a specific type of equipment or technique, which are necessary requirements for that specific equipment. Patients can also be interviewed regarding their opinions in relation to the use of technologies in their care and treatment.

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