Abstract
Purpose: Building on previous research findings, this article describes the development of the feedback interfaces for a Personalised Self-Managed Rehabilitation System (PSMrS) for home-based post-stroke rehabilitation using computer-based technology. Method: Embedded within a realistic evaluative methodological approach, the development of the feedback interfaces for the PSMrS involved the incorporation of existing and emerging theories and a hybrid of health and social sciences research and user-centred design methods. Results: User testing confirmed that extrinsic feedback for home-based post-stroke rehabilitation through computer-based technology needs to be personalisable, accurate, rewarding and measurable. In addition, user testing also confirmed the feasibility of using specific components of the PSMrS. Conclusions: A number of key elements are crucial for the development and potential utilisation of technology in what is an inevitable shift towards the use of innovative methods of delivering post-stroke rehabilitation. This includes the specific elements that are essential for the promotion of self-managed rehabilitation and rehabilitative behaviour change; the impact of the context on the mechanisms; and, importantly, the need for reliability and accuracy of the technology.
To promote independent self-managed post-stroke rehabilitation in the home, feedback needs to be personalisable, simplistic, rewarding and measurable.
Specific elements of feedback are required to achieve improved performance, confidence and self-efficacy, and the reinforcement of rehabilitative behaviour change.
The provision of feedback through technology needs to be reliable and accurate.
Implications for Rehabilitation
Acknowledgements
The preparation of the manuscript was supported by the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for South Yorkshire.