The attitudes and needs for nudge-based self-management interventions among stroke survivors: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Self-management is crucial for stroke survivors' recovery and quality of life.
• Nudging strategies offer potential for enhancing self-management interventions.
• Understanding stroke survivors' perspectives on nudging is essential for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore stroke survivors' perceptions and attitudes towards nudge-based self-management interventions.
• To identify stroke survivors' needs and preferences for nudge interventions in self-management.
• To inform the development of user-centered nudge strategies for stroke recovery.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative study utilizing purposive sampling.
• Face-to-face, semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 stroke survivors (aged 32-65).
• Verbatim transcription and qualitative content analysis to identify themes.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: difficulty noticing nudges, acceptance of nudges, concerns regarding nudges, and varied expectations for nudge interventions.
• Survivors expressed a preference for more transparent nudge presentations.
• Key themes related to the usability and perceived value of nudges in daily life.

Conclusions:

• Stroke survivors exhibit mixed feelings about nudge interventions, emphasizing the need for transparency.
• Integrating digital health tools with nudges can create more effective and preferred self-management support.
• Enhancing stroke survivors' self-management capacity is vital to reduce reliance on external interventions.