Technologies for Home-Based Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Thematic Analysis of Perspectives Among Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary End Users

Stroke is a common cerebral vascular disease with an annual incidence of about 15 million people worldwide, affecting old and young people and leading to a variety of disabilities requiring motor and cognitive rehabilitation. Home-based rehabilitation systems are becoming a viable alternative to conventional therapy, giving stroke survivors the possibility to continue physical and cognitive rehabilitation for a longer period of time. This paper outlines the main findings of a first iterative session of interviews held in Italy, aimed at collecting and analyzing the perspective of 23 participants (4 stroke survivors, 10 healthy older adults, 4 caregivers, and 5 physiotherapists) in the development of a new home-based rehabilitation system, specific for the upper limb recovery after stroke. This research involved the use of a semi-structured interview and was managed by three researchers that allowed the collection of qualitative data (open questions). All participants showed an overall positive vision about the proposed system, that could support patients in recovering autonomy and ensuring treatment for longer at home. A basic digital literacy and an emotional predisposition (e.g., high motivation) seem to be essential factors in the approach to the system. All participants agreed on the need to give/receive help in using the platform, at least initially. Some caregivers expressed doubts about their loved ones’ participation and autonomy in using the system. To include the platform most efficiently within a rehabilitation program, the product development needed a user driven approach to explore and define the needs of end-users. The research is currently ongoing.