Developing a personalised self-management system for post stroke rehabilitation; utilising a user-centred design...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Informatics
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Post-stroke recovery requires effective self-management strategies.
• Current rehabilitation models need integration with technology for home-based care.
• Self-efficacy and self-management theories are crucial for patient recovery and adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an information and communication technology (ICT) solution for a post-stroke Personalised Self-Managed Rehabilitation System (PSMrS).
• To translate current stroke rehabilitation models and self-management theories into a home-based ICT system.
• To enhance self-management and self-efficacy in stroke survivors through technology.

Main Methods:

• Employed a hybrid of health and social sciences research methods.
• Utilized user-centered design, including home visits, focus groups, interviews, cultural probes, and technology biographies.
• Applied an iterative development process for system content and user interfaces.

Main Results:

• The PSMrS iteratively developed content and interfaces based on user needs.
• The system incorporates current post-stroke rehabilitation models.
• It addresses key factors promoting self-managed behavior and self-efficacy, such as mastery, verbal persuasion, and physiological feedback.

Conclusions:

• The ICT solution was driven by the needs of stroke survivors and their carers.
• The PSMrS is underpinned by theories of motor relearning, neuroplasticity, self-management, and behavior change.
• This personalized system has the potential to modify motor behavior and aid stroke survivors in achieving life goals.