RecoverNow: A patient perspective on the delivery of mobile tablet-based stroke rehabilitation in the acute care setting

Background/aim We previously reported the feasibility of RecoverNow (a mobile tablet-based post-stroke communication therapy in acute care). RecoverNow has since expanded to include fine motor and cognitive therapies. Our objectives were to gain a better understanding of patient experiences and recovery goals using mobile tablets. Methods Speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists identified patients with stroke and communication, fine motor, or cognitive/perceptual deficits. Patients were provided with iPads individually programmed with applications based on assessment results, and instructed to use it at least 1 h/day. At discharge, patients completed a 19-question quantitative and open-ended engagement survey addressing intervention timing, mobile device/apps, recovery goals, and therapy duration. Results Over a six-month period, we enrolled 33 participants (three did not complete the survey). Median time from stroke to initiation of tablet-based therapy was six days. Patients engaged in therapy on average 59.6 min/day and preferred communication and hand function therapies. Most patients (63.3%) agreed that therapy was commenced at a reasonable time, although half expressed an interest in starting sooner, 66.7% reported that using the device 1 h/day was enough, 64.3% would use it after discharge, and 60.7% would use it for eight weeks. Sixty-seven percent of patients expressed a need for family/friend/caregiver to help them use it. Conclusion Our results suggest that stroke patients are interested in mobile tablet-based therapy in acute care. Patients in the acute setting prefer to focus on communication and hand therapies, are willing to begin within days of their stroke and may require assistance with the tablets.