Computer-based assistive technology and changes in daily living after stroke

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine in depth how computer-based assistive technology (AT) for cognitive support influenced the everyday lives of both persons who had had a stroke and their significant others. Method: Four participants, who had experienced cognitive limitations after a stroke, and their significant others were included in the study. The study included an intervention with a specific type of computer-based AT that was installed in the homes of the four participants for a 6-month period. Semistructured interviews were conducted before the installation to learn about the participants needs and repeated interviews took place after the installation. All collected data were analyzed based on qualitative methodology. Results: The findings illustrated how routines developed with support from the AT influenced the participants towards increased control of their everyday life, and also created daily structure and helped them regain social contacts. The findings demonstrated how the spouses also benefitted and could reduce their reminding and checking responsibilities. Conclusion: Computer-based AT has the potential to bring about changes in the everyday life for people with cognitive limitations by supporting the development of routines and by introducing, maintaining, reinforcing or regaining valuable activities.

Implication for Rehabilitation

There are several reasons for health professionals to consider computerized support for persons with cognitive impairments. There are especially two implications for rehabilitation that this study addresses:

• One implication from the study relates to the need of easing the burden for family members. Especially spouses often have to serve as an external “memory-support” that provides guidance and reminders to the person who has had a stroke. Computer-based AT can be of help in recreating new habits and a new structure in everyday living by reminding and encouraging the user and by doing so ease the burden of being a care provider.

• In this study, personalized reminders from computer-based AT were seen as supportive by those users who wanted to regain or maintain contact with family and friends. Such social contacts are of great importance and do often decrease after a stroke. The findings in this study represent a promising example of much needed technology to maintain a social role.

Keywords::

• Cognitive limitations
• spouse
• user involvement
• responsibilities

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the participants and their significant others, who kindly welcomed them into their homes and shared their experiences with them. They also would like to thank Lars Axelsson, Stefan Lundberg and Tore J Larsson, from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, who collaborated with them during the interventions. This study was funded by Stockholm County Council via CTV and the municipality of Huddinge, with support from the Swedish Brain Power network. Tentaculus Independent Living AB provided equipment and services. No other relations or dependences existed between the research team and the providers.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no declarations of interest.