Rehabilitation Supported by Technology: Protocol for an International Cocreation and User Experience Study

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Rehabilitation Technology
• Living Lab Methodologies

Background:

• Health and well-being living labs are increasingly prevalent but lack standardized procedures and infrastructure.
• The Horizon 2020 Project Virtual Health and Wellbeing Living Lab Infrastructure aims to standardize these labs across Europe.
• This research focuses on integrating innovative technologies for rehabilitation interventions and data collection within these living labs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gain insights into living lab infrastructures and procedures for harmonization across Europe.
• To investigate the potential of innovative technologies in rehabilitation settings.
• To promote research activities in the health and well-being domain through standardized living lab practices.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods design involving co-creation (Phase 1) and small-scale pilot studies (Phase 2).
• Preliminary harmonization of procedures across international living labs.
• Implementation of minor protocol adjustments based on co-creation feedback.
• Six pilot studies across four countries using innovative technologies for intervention or data collection.
• Target populations include stroke patients and older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
• Delphi procedures to achieve consensus on harmonized protocols.

Main Results:

• Phase 1 data collection commenced in March 2022, followed by Phase 2 in June 2022.
• Results will encompass co-creation outputs, pilot study findings, and recommendations for harmonizing living lab procedures.
• Specific focus on rehabilitation contexts within health and well-being living labs.

Conclusions:

• The research will yield harmonized procedures and protocols for health and well-being living labs in rehabilitation.
• New insights will be generated for optimizing the implementation of innovative technologies in rehabilitation.
• This will facilitate broader research collaboration and advancement in European health and well-being initiatives.