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Alder G, Taylor D, Rashid U, Olsen S, Brooks T, Terry G, Niazi IK, Signal N. A Brain Computer Interface Neuromodulatory Device for Stroke Rehabilitation: Iterative User-Centered Design Approach. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2023; 10:e49702. [PMID: 38079202 PMCID: PMC10750233 DOI: 10.2196/49702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rehabilitation technologies for people with stroke are rapidly evolving. These technologies have the potential to support higher volumes of rehabilitation to improve outcomes for people with stroke. Despite growing evidence of their efficacy, there is a lack of uptake and sustained use in stroke rehabilitation and a call for user-centered design approaches during technology design and development. This study focuses on a novel rehabilitation technology called exciteBCI, a complex neuromodulatory wearable technology in the prototype stage that augments locomotor rehabilitation for people with stroke. The exciteBCI consists of a brain computer interface, a muscle electrical stimulator, and a mobile app. OBJECTIVE This study presents the evaluation phase of an iterative user-centered design approach supported by a qualitative descriptive methodology that sought to (1) explore users' perspectives and experiences of exciteBCI and how well it fits with rehabilitation, and (2) facilitate modifications to exciteBCI design features. METHODS The iterative usability evaluation of exciteBCI was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 consisted of 3 sprint cycles consisting of single usability sessions with people with stroke (n=4) and physiotherapists (n=4). During their interactions with exciteBCI, participants used a "think-aloud" approach, followed by a semistructured interview. At the end of each sprint cycle, device requirements were gathered and the device was modified in preparation for the next cycle. Phase 2 focused on a "near-live" approach in which 2 people with stroke and 1 physiotherapist participated in a 3-week program of rehabilitation augmented by exciteBCI (n=3). Participants completed a semistructured interview at the end of the program. Data were analyzed from both phases using conventional content analysis. RESULTS Overall, participants perceived and experienced exciteBCI positively, while providing guidance for iterative changes. Five interrelated themes were identified from the data: (1) "This is rehab" illustrated that participants viewed exciteBCI as having a good fit with rehabilitation practice; (2) "Getting the most out of rehab" highlighted that exciteBCI was perceived as a means to enhance rehabilitation through increased engagement and challenge; (3) "It is a tool not a therapist," revealed views that the technology could either enhance or disrupt the therapeutic relationship; and (4) "Weighing up the benefits versus the burden" and (5) "Don't make me look different" emphasized important design considerations related to device set-up, use, and social acceptability. CONCLUSIONS This study offers several important findings that can inform the design and implementation of rehabilitation technologies. These include (1) the design of rehabilitation technology should support the therapeutic relationship between the patient and therapist, (2) social acceptability is a design priority in rehabilitation technology but its importance varies depending on the use context, and (3) there is value in using design research methods that support understanding usability in the context of sustained use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Alder
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Denise Taylor
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Usman Rashid
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharon Olsen
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Thonia Brooks
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gareth Terry
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Imran Khan Niazi
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Chiropractic Research, New Zealand College of Chiropractic, Auckland, New Zealand
- Sensory Motor Integration, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nada Signal
- Rehabilitation Innovation Centre, Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Lobo EH, Abdelrazek M, Frølich A, Rasmussen LJ, Livingston PM, Islam SMS, Kensing F, Grundy J. Detecting user experience issues from mHealth apps that support stroke caregiver needs: an analysis of user reviews. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1027667. [PMID: 37304084 PMCID: PMC10247988 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1027667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Existing research has demonstrated the potential of mHealth apps in improving the caregiving outcomes of stroke. Since most of the apps were published in commercially available app stores without explaining their design and evaluation processes, it is necessary to identify the user experience issues to promote long-term adherence and usage. Objective The purpose of this study was to utilize published user reviews of commercially available apps to determine the user experience issues to guide future app development in stroke caregiving. Methods User reviews were extracted from the previously identified 46 apps that support stroke caregiving needs using a python-scraper. The reviews were pre-processed and filtered using python scripts to consider English reviews that described issues faced by the user. The final corpus was categorized based on TF-IDF vectorization and k-means clustering technique, and the issues extracted from the various topics were classified based on the seven dimensions of user experience to highlight factors that may affect the usage of the app. Results A total of 117,364 were extracted from the two app stores. After filtration, 13,368 reviews were included and classified based on the user experience dimensions. Findings highlight critical issues that affect the usability, usefulness, desirability, findability, accessibility, credibility, and value of the app that contribute to decreased satisfaction and increased frustration. Conclusion The study identified several user experience issues due to the inability of the app developers to understand the needs of the user. Further, the study describes the inclusion of a participatory design approach to promote an improved understanding of user needs; therefore, limiting any issues and ensuring continued use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H. Lobo
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne Frølich
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Innovation and Research Center for Multimorbidity, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Denmark
| | - Lene J. Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Finn Kensing
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Grundy
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Lobo EH, Karmakar C, Abdelrazek M, Abawajy J, Chow CK, Zhang Y, Kabir MA, Daryabeygi R, Maddison R, Islam SMS. Design and development of a smartphone app for hypertension management: An intervention mapping approach. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1092755. [PMID: 37006589 PMCID: PMC10050573 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1092755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundSeveral research studies have demonstrated the potential of mobile health apps in supporting health management. However, the design and development process of these apps are rarely presented.ObjectiveWe present the design and development of a smartphone-based lifestyle app integrating a wearable device for hypertension management.MethodsWe used an intervention mapping approach for the development of theory- and evidence-based intervention in hypertension management. This consisted of six fundamental steps: needs assessment, matrices, theoretical methods and practical strategies, program design, adoption and implementation plan, and evaluation plan. To design the contents of the intervention, we performed a literature review to determine the preferences of people with hypertension (Step 1) and necessary objectives toward the promotion of self-management behaviors (Step 2). Based on these findings, we implemented theoretical and practical strategies in consultation with stakeholders and researchers (Steps 3), which was used to identify the functionality and develop an mHealth app (Step 4). The adoption (Step 5) and evaluation (Step 6) of the mHealth app will be conducted in a future study.ResultsThrough the needs analysis, we identified that people with hypertension preferred having education, medication or treatment adherence, lifestyle modification, alcohol and smoking cessation and blood pressure monitoring support. We utilized MoSCoW analysis to consider four key elements, i.e., education, medication or treatment adherence, lifestyle modification and blood pressure support based on past experiences, and its potential benefits in hypertension management. Theoretical models such as (i) the information, motivation, and behavior skills model, and (ii) the patient health engagement model was implemented in the intervention development to ensure positive engagement and health behavior. Our app provides health education to people with hypertension related to their condition, while utilizing wearable devices to promote lifestyle modification and blood pressure management. The app also contains a clinician portal with rules and medication lists titrated by the clinician to ensure treatment adherence, with regular push notifications to prompt behavioral change. In addition, the app data can be reviewed by patients and clinicians as needed.ConclusionsThis is the first study describing the design and development of an app that integrates a wearable blood pressure device and provides lifestyle support and hypertension management. Our theory-driven intervention for hypertension management is founded on the critical needs of people with hypertension to ensure treatment adherence and supports medication review and titration by clinicians. The intervention will be clinically evaluated in future studies to determine its effectiveness and usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H. Lobo
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Elton H. Lobo
| | - Chandan Karmakar
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Jemal Abawajy
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Clara K. Chow
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Muhammad Ashad Kabir
- School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Reza Daryabeygi
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralph Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
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Lobo EH, Frølich A, Abdelrazek M, Rasmussen LJ, Grundy J, Livingston PM, Islam SMS, Kensing F. Information, involvement, self-care and support-The needs of caregivers of people with stroke: A grounded theory approach. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281198. [PMID: 36719929 PMCID: PMC9888718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, with most care undertaken by caregivers who are generally family and friends without prior experience of care. The lack of experience or unpreparedness results in feelings of uncertainty, burnout, anxiety, burden, etc. Hence, it is necessary to identify the needs of caregivers to better support them in their caregiving journey and improve the quality of care delivered. METHODS The study employed a grounded theory methodology that utilizes information gathered from literature reviews and social media to represent the needs and create a storyline visually. The storyline is further refined and evaluated using an online survey of 72 participants recruited through online stroke caregiving communities. RESULTS The study identified four core categories of needs: (i) Information: sufficient information delivered in layman's terms based on the individual situation of the caregiver and survivor through oral and hands-on demonstrations, (ii) Involvement: inclusion in the decision-making processes at different stages of recovery through face-to-face communication at the hospital, (iii) Self-care: ability to engage in work and leisure activities, (iv) Support: receive support in the form of resources, services and finances from different other stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to create a caregiver-centered approach in stroke recovery to ensure limited obstruction to care and reduced uncertainty in stroke recovery. Moreover, through the inclusion of caregivers in stroke recovery, it may be possible to reduce the burden of care to the caregiver and ensure the satisfaction of the healthcare system throughout stroke recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H. Lobo
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Anne Frølich
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Innovation and Research Centre for Multimorbidity, Slagelse Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lene J. Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Grundy
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Finn Kensing
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lobo EH, Abdelrazek M, Kensing F, Rasmussen LJ, Livingston PM, Grundy J, Islam SMS, Frølich A. Technology-based support for stroke caregiving: A rapid review of evidence. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:3700-3713. [PMID: 34350650 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This rapid review examines the technology-based interventions for caregivers of stroke proposed in the literature while also identifying the acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction of the implemented approaches. BACKGROUND The increasing burden of supporting stroke survivors has resulted in caregivers searching for innovative solutions, such as technology-based interventions, to provide better care. Hence, its potential to support caregivers throughout the disease trajectory needs to be assessed. EVALUATION Five electronic databases were systematically searched for articles related to stroke caregiving technologies based on well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. KEY ISSUE(S) Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria that focused on supporting caregivers through functionalities such as education, therapy and support, remote consultations, health assessments and logs and reminders using different devices. The majority of interventions demonstrated positive conclusions for caregiving impact, acceptance, effectiveness and satisfaction. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the influences of technology in improving stroke caregiving and the need to include user-centred design principles to create a meaningful, actionable and feasible system for caregivers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Technology can educate and support stroke caregivers, thereby minimizing uncertainty and ensuring better care for the survivor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H Lobo
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Finn Kensing
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene J Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - John Grundy
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Anne Frølich
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Innovation and Research Centre for Multimorbidity, Slagelse Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark
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Garnett A, Ploeg J, Markle-Reid M, Strachan PH. Factors impacting the access and use of formal health and social services by caregivers of stroke survivors: an interpretive description study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:433. [PMID: 35365130 PMCID: PMC8975449 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07804-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence has shown that family and friend caregivers of stroke survivors are significantly and negatively impacted by caregiving. The negative effects of caregiving may persist over time suggesting that caregivers might benefit from ongoing engagement with supportive services. However, little is known about caregivers' use of formally funded health and social services, or the factors influencing their access to and use of these services. The aim of this study is to increase understanding of the factors that influence stroke caregivers' access and use of formal health and social services, from the perspective of stroke caregivers and healthcare providers. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted with stroke caregivers and health providers in Ontario, Canada using interpretive description. In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of survivors who experienced a stroke between six months to five years previous and healthcare providers who support caregivers and stroke survivors. All participants provided written informed consent. Interview data were analyzed using constant comparison to identify codes and develop key thematic constructs. RESULTS A total of 40 interviews were conducted with 22 stroke caregivers at an average 30-months post-stroke and 18 health providers. Factors that influenced stroke caregivers' access and use of services included: finances and transportation; challenges caregivers faced in caring for their health; trust that they could leave their family member and trust in health providers; limited information pertaining to services and a lack of suitable services; and the response of their social networks to their caregiving situation. CONCLUSION Stroke caregivers experience significant challenges in accessing and using formal health and social services. These challenges could be addressed by increasing availability of subsidized community-based supports such as respite and counselling tailored to meet the ongoing needs of caregivers. Systemic change is needed by the health system that readily includes and supports caregivers throughout the stroke recovery continuum, particularly in the community setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Garnett
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maureen Markle-Reid
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia H Strachan
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Lu S, Jiang H, Li C, Hong B, Zhang P, Liu W. Genetic Algorithm for TMS Coil Position Optimization in Stroke Treatment. Front Public Health 2022; 9:794167. [PMID: 35360667 PMCID: PMC8962518 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.794167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive technique to stimulate human brain, has been widely used in stroke treatment for its capability of regulating synaptic plasticity and promoting cortical functional reconstruction. As shown in previous studies, the high electric field (E-field) intensity around the lesion helps in the recovery of brain function, thus the spatial location and angle of coil truly matter for the significant correlation with therapeutic effect of TMS. But, the error caused by coil placement in current clinical setting is still non-negligible and a more precise coil positioning method needs to be proposed. In this study, two kinds of real brain stroke models of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke were established by inserting relative lesions into three human head models. A coil position optimization algorithm, based on the genetic algorithm (GA), was developed to search the spatial location and rotation angle of the coil in four 4 × 4 cm search domains around the lesion. It maximized the average intensity of the E-field in the voxel of interest (VOI). In this way, maximum 17.48% higher E-field intensity than that of clinical TMS stimulation was obtained. Besides, our method also shows the potential to avoid unnecessary exposure to the non-target regions. The proposed algorithm was verified to provide an optimal position after nine iterations and displayed good robustness for coil location optimization between different stroke models. To conclude, the optimized spatial location and rotation angle of the coil for TMS stroke treatment could be obtained through our algorithm, reducing the intensity and duration of human electromagnetic exposure and presenting a significant therapeutic potential of TMS for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Lu
- Center for Medical Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyu Jiang
- China Academy of Telecommunications Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chengwei Li
- Center for Medical Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Baoyu Hong
- Center for Medical Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Zhang
- Center for Medical Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Pu Zhang
| | - Wenli Liu
- Center for Medical Metrology, National Institute of Metrology, Beijing, China
- Wenli Liu
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Lobo EH, Johnson T, Frølich A, Kensing F, Rasmussen LJ, Hosking SM, Page AT, Livingston PM, Islam SMS, Grundy J, Abdelrazek M. Utilization of social media communities for caregiver information support in stroke recovery: An analysis of content and interactions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262919. [PMID: 35081150 PMCID: PMC8791510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Caregivers often use the internet to access information related to stroke care to improve preparedness, thereby reducing uncertainty and enhancing the quality of care.
Method
Social media communities used by caregivers of people affected by stroke were identified using popular keywords searched for using Google. Communities were filtered based on their ability to provide support to caregivers. Data from the included communities were extracted and analysed to determine the content and level of interaction.
Results
There was a significant rise in the use of social media by caregivers of people affected by stroke. The most popular social media communities were charitable and governmental organizations with the highest user interaction–this was for topics related to stroke prevention, signs and symptoms, and caregiver self-care delivered through video-based resources.
Conclusion
Findings show the ability of social media to support stroke caregiver needs and practices that should be considered to increase their interaction and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H. Lobo
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Tara Johnson
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Anne Frølich
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Innovation and Research Centre for Multimorbidity, Slagelse Hospital, Slagelse, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Finn Kensing
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene J. Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Amy T. Page
- Pharmacy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - John Grundy
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Lobo EH, Kensing F, Frølich A, Rasmussen LJ, Livingston PM, Islam SMS, Grundy J, Abdelrazek M. mHealth intervention for carers of individuals with a history of stroke: Heuristic evaluation and user perspectives. Digit Health 2022; 8:20552076221089070. [PMID: 35371533 PMCID: PMC8968995 DOI: 10.1177/20552076221089070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Caregiving in stroke is complex, with most carers having little to no preparation to care for individuals with a history of stroke, leading to emotional impact. Technologies such as Mobile Health can provide the carer with real-time support and prepare the carer to assume their new roles and responsibilities. Objectives To perform a heuristic evaluation of mHealth interventions designed to support carers of individuals with a history of stroke and determine the user preferences in stroke caregiving technology to inform future researchers and developers regarding the best practices to support these individuals. Methods Twenty adults (i.e. 10 usability experts and 10 carers) participated in an iterative user-centred design study that focused on developing and modifying the mHealth intervention (StrokeCaregiver (SeCr)) created to support stroke caregiving. The intervention was repeated in four cycles, including two cycles with five usability experts each and five carers each. Results SeCr was iteratively improved to develop a highly usable product in multiple cycles. Participants demonstrated critical needs in personalized information support, communication with their healthcare needs, and the trust of the user, content, and developer. These critical needs are required to be met to promote long-term acceptance and adherence. Conclusions While SeCr was developed to address the needs of carers of individuals with a history of stroke, several considerations must be made to ensure it can be used in a real-world setting. Researchers and developers can use co-design or living lab approaches to further meet the needs and expectations of the carer and enable these individuals to be better prepared for stroke caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton H Lobo
- School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Finn Kensing
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Frølich
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Innovation and Research Centre for Multimorbidity, Slagelse Hospital, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Lene J Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - John Grundy
- Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohamed Abdelrazek
- School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Seregni A, Tricomi E, Tropea P, Del Pino R, Gómez-Esteban JC, Gabilondo I, Díez-Cirarda M, Schlieter H, Gand K, Corbo M. Virtual Coaching for Rehabilitation: The Participatory Design Experience of the vCare Project. Front Public Health 2021; 9:748307. [PMID: 34926373 PMCID: PMC8674451 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.748307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
End-user involvement constitutes an essential goal during the development of innovative solution, not only for the evaluation, but also in codesign, following a user-centered strategy. Indeed, it is a great asset of research to base the work in a user-centered approach, because it allows to build a platform that will respond to the real needs of users. The aims of this work are to present the methodology adopted to involve end-users (i.e., neurological patients, healthy elderly, and health professionals) in the evaluation of a novel virtual coaching system based on the personalized clinical pathways and to present the results obtained from these preliminary activities. Specific activities involving end-users were planned along the development phases and are referred to as participatory design. The user experience of participatory design is constituted by the two different phases: the “end-user's perspective” phase where the user involvement in experiential activities is from an observational point of view, whereas the “field study” phase is the direct participation in these activities. Evaluation tools (i.e., scales, questionnaires, and interviews) were planned to assess different aspects of the system. Thirty patients [14 with poststroke condition and 16 with Parkinson's disease (PD)], 13 healthy elderly, and six health professionals were enrolled from two clinical centers during the two phases of participatory design. Results from “end-user's perspective” phase showed globally a positive preliminary perception of the service. Overall, a positive evaluation (i.e., UEQ median score > 1) was obtained for each domain of the scale in both groups of patients and healthy subjects. The evaluation of the vCare system during the “field study” phase was assessed as excellent (>80 points) from the point of view of both patients and health professionals. According to the majority of patients, the rehabilitation service through the solution was reported to be interesting, engaging, entertaining, challenging and useful for improving impaired motor functions, and making patients aware of their cognitive abilities. Once refined and fine-tuned in the aspects highlighted in the this work, the system will be clinically tested at user's home to measure the real impact of the rehabilitative coaching services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Seregni
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica Tricomi
- Institut für Technische Informatik (ZITI), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peppino Tropea
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocio Del Pino
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gómez-Esteban
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Inigo Gabilondo
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurology, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque: The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - María Díez-Cirarda
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Hannes Schlieter
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kai Gand
- Faculty of Business and Economics, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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