Abstract WP185: How to Design Woke Stroke Tech: The STORIES Project

Abstract

Introduction: There is little foundational evidence describing needs, wants, and concerns of stroke survivors and their carers regarding stroke rehabilitation technology. The aim of the STORIES Project (Stroke Tech- Overviews in Rehabilitation, Insights, and Experiences of Survivors & carers) was to identify, characterize, and prioritize these needs and concerns, as well as differences in characterizations across subgroups, to inform socially inclusive design. Methods: Mixed-method, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 stroke survivors and 16 carers, including 12 matched patient-carer dyads. Participants used a 1-5 scale to rate confidence and interest in using technologies for stroke rehabilitation and to rate the importance of 41 aspects of rehabilitation technology use. Differences between subgroups were compared via student t-tests. Qualitative data was coded to add depth of understanding to quantitative results. Results: Across all participants, aspects rated most important were clear instructions, ability to return a product from home, ease of use, ability to see progress over time, and that technology use did not replace time with a therapist. Human interaction in rehabilitation was deeply important for motivation, effectiveness, and mental health. Compared to carers, patients found the following less important: training carers in rehabilitation technology use ( p =.006), ability to share progress ( p =.001), and ability to do exercises with therapists rather than carers ( p =.001). Non-whites more strongly valued including music in the rehabilitation technology experience ( p =.001). Medicaid beneficiaries cared more about time & financial risk-minimization strategies ( p <.000), but not direct cost ( p =.72). People without a Bachelor’s degree had less technology familiarity and interest ( p =.003). Finally, patients and carers of patients less than 12 months post-stroke were less interested in stroke rehabilitation technologies ( p <.000). Conclusion: To increase adoption of stroke rehabilitation technologies, development should focus on improving multiple parts of the product experience, including clear instructions, ease of use, progress tracking, music inclusion, free trials, and free returns from home.