Background/aim
We
previously reported the feasibility of RecoverNow (a mobile
tablet-based post-stroke communication therapy in acute care).
RecoverNow has since expanded to include fine motor and cognitive
therapies. Our objectives were to gain a better understanding of patient
experiences and recovery goals using mobile tablets.
Methods
Speech-language
pathologists or occupational therapists identified patients with stroke
and communication, fine motor, or cognitive/perceptual deficits.
Patients were provided with iPads individually programmed with
applications based on assessment results, and instructed to use it at
least 1 h/day. At discharge, patients completed a 19-question
quantitative and open-ended engagement survey addressing intervention
timing, mobile device/apps, recovery goals, and therapy duration.
Results
Over
a six-month period, we enrolled 33 participants (three did not complete
the survey). Median time from stroke to initiation of tablet-based
therapy was six days. Patients engaged in therapy on average
59.6 min/day and preferred communication and hand function therapies.
Most patients (63.3%) agreed that therapy was commenced at a reasonable
time, although half expressed an interest in starting sooner, 66.7%
reported that using the device 1 h/day was enough, 64.3% would use it
after discharge, and 60.7% would use it for eight weeks. Sixty-seven
percent of patients expressed a need for family/friend/caregiver to help
them use it.
Conclusion
Our
results suggest that stroke patients are interested in mobile
tablet-based therapy in acute care. Patients in the acute setting prefer
to focus on communication and hand therapies, are willing to begin
within days of their stroke and may require assistance with the tablets.
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