Home exercise programs supported by video and automated reminders for patients with stroke: A qualitative analysis.

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.