Digital Engagement Patterns of Persons with War-Related Disabilities in Ukraine: A Mixed-Methods Study of Rehabilitation Tool Use.

This paper analyses the way war-related disabled people in Ukraine use digital rehabilitation devices by relying on three complementary data sources, such as diary self-observation (n = 50), in-depth interviews (n = 12) and digital footprint analytics on a state support platform (n = 117). The results show the similarity in behavioural patterns among datasets, as well as the inclination towards personalised modes such as online consultations and information browsing and a lack of use of automated services because of the emotional reluctance, complexity of interface and doubts in digital interaction. Interview data indicate the importance of psychological safety, trust and perceived predictability in digital use and metrics of digital footprint indicate that there are often problems with registration and short-term engagement with instructional content. The research defines the main usability and cognitive obstacles that restrict successful digital application and presents user-oriented guidelines of enhancing the development of rehabilitation instruments. These findings add to a more subtle comprehension of the digital rehabilitation practice in wartime and the necessity of the further studies based on larger and more diverse samples.