A Participatory Model for Cocreating Accessible Rehabilitation Technology for Stroke Survivors: User-Centered Design...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Health Technology Innovation

Background:

• 1 in 3 people globally require rehabilitation, yet access to trained professionals is limited.
• Rehabilitation technology design often overlooks user needs and budgets, hindering adoption.
• A multidisciplinary cocreation center was established to prioritize end-user involvement in innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a participatory cocreation model for rehabilitation technology.
• To illustrate the model's application through case studies.

Main Methods:

• A cocreation model centered on user participation in intensive, technology-delivered rehabilitation programs.
• Inclusion of chronic stroke survivors with movement/speech disabilities.
• Utilized focus groups and an advisory group for product development and broader adoption strategies.

Main Results:

• The model has been active for 3 years, with a 92% participant completion rate.
• Five new rehabilitation technologies have been developed, with more ideas generated.
• Cocreated protocols for technology-enriched rehabilitation have been established and replicated in an acute hospital setting.

Conclusions:

• Effective rehabilitation is crucial for health condition recovery, but access remains a challenge.
• Technology can increase rehabilitation access, but must be user-centric.
• The cocreation model demonstrates feasibility in developing accessible technologies and delivering needed rehabilitation.