The provision of feedback through computer-based technology to promote self-managed post-stroke rehabilitation in the home

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. Implications for Rehabilitation 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.