Co-design and evaluation of an information and communication technology-based solution to support mild stroke - an...

Approximately 60-70% of people with stroke experience a mild incident. However, mild stroke can significantly impact daily life for these individuals and their significant others. Reviews suggest that the use of information and communication technology (ICT) can add value to the existing stroke rehabilitation. The purpose of the current study was to co-design and evaluate an ICT-based solution with and for people with mild stroke and their significant others to support them through the stroke trajectory. Inspired by experience-based co-design, the study focused on developing an ICT-based solution in a co-design workshop, testing the prototype in co-design teams, and pilot testing and evaluating the intervention through interviews with individuals with mild stroke and their significant others. Through the co-design process, a prototype was developed and tested. The developed ICT-based solution offers targeted information and tips for managing mild stroke consequences, such as concentration issues and fatigue. The evaluation led to the identified four categories: Diverse ways of using the ICT-based solution, Significant others' use of information tailored for people with mild strokes and vice versa, Essential elements related to the usability of the ICT-based solution, and Suggestions for further development and implementation. The evaluation showed that the app provided useful information to both participants with stroke and their significant others, which may have supported their stroke trajectory and coping abilities. Introducing the app during the hospital stay was beneficial. Over time, participants valued the app's information as they adapted to living with mild stroke.