JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Stroke is a leading cause for long-term disability, requiring both in-, and outpatient rehabilitation and self-training in the home environment. Technology-based tools are gradually gaining acceptance as additional and suitable options for extending the rehabilitation process. While the experiences of persons after stroke, therapists, and informal caregivers with respect to technology use have already been investigated in other countries, this topic is underexplored in the Swiss context.

Objective:

We aimed to explore the experiences and needs of individuals after stroke, informal caregivers, and therapists in using technology-based tools in a home environment for stroke rehabilitation in Switzerland.

Methods:

This study followed a qualitative descriptive methodology, including semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. We applied a deductive template analysis alongside the A3E framework to analyze the qualitative datasets for technology-assisted solutions for poststroke rehabilitation.

Results:

We collected the experiences and needs of persons living with stroke (n=7), informal caregivers (n=4), and therapists (occupational and physical therapists, n=12). The four categories we used to organize the analysis and results were “accessibility to quality rehabilitation”, “adaptability to patient differences”, “accountability or compliance with rehabilitation”, and “engagement with rehabilitation”. Persons living with stroke stated that they use various tools within their rehabilitation process depending on their specific needs. They felt that there is a plethora of tools available, but sometimes felt overwhelmed with the selection process. Informal caregivers indicated that they generally felt underserved and insufficiently informed throughout the rehabilitation process. They reported that they use technology-based tools to support their affected relatives in becoming more independent. Therapists appreciate the numerous possible applications of technology-based tools in rehabilitation. At the same time, however, they express dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity in Switzerland regarding cost coverage, recommendations, and training opportunities.

Conclusions:

Persons living with stroke, informal caregivers, and therapists in Switzerland reported varied and unique experiences and needs with the use of technology-based tools in outpatient stroke rehabilitation. Written recommendations, assumption of financial costs and the provision of information and education could foster increased confidence in the use of technology-based tools, for patients and therapists.