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Home exercise programs supported by video and automated reminders for patients with stroke: A qualitative analysis
Author(s) -
Emmerson Kellie B.,
Harding Katherine E.,
Lockwood Kylee J.,
Taylor Nicholas F.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian occupational therapy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1440-1630
pISSN - 0045-0766
DOI - 10.1111/1440-1630.12461
Subject(s) - presentation (obstetrics) , stroke (engine) , physical therapy , rehabilitation , qualitative research , medicine , qualitative analysis , psychology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , multimedia , computer science , engineering , mechanical engineering , social science , sociology , radiology
Background Allied health professionals working in rehabilitation often prescribe home exercise programs. Smart technology offers an alternative format for presentation of home exercise programs with potential advantages over traditional paper‐based programs, but how do patients feel about this? Design This qualitative analysis was part of a convergent mixed methods design, using in depth, semi‐structured interviews to explore the lived experience of patients utilising touch screen tablets to support an upper limb home exercise program post stroke. Methods Ten male participants with stroke and upper limb impairment who received home exercise programs using video and reminders on tablet computers participated. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results There were three main themes: (1) exercises on the tablet helped patients’ recovery in a variety of ways; (2) everyone could use the tablet for their home exercise program; but (3) not everyone liked using the tablet. Conclusions and significance of the study Smart technology is increasingly accessible and provides a novel, convenient way to provide home exercise programs post stroke with a number of benefits. This technology is not for everyone, but may be well suited to patients who already own and use these devices in daily life. Automated reminders were not viewed as a useful reminder tool.