Technology-based interventions for mental health support after stroke: A systematic review of their acceptability and feasibility

Mental health disturbances are common after stroke and linked to a slower recovery. Current face-to-face treatment options are costly and often inaccessible. Technology advances have made it possible to overcome some of these barriers to deliver technology-based mental health interventions remotely, but we do not know how acceptable and feasible they are. This systematic review aims to provide an examination of the acceptability and feasibility of technology-based mental health interventions provided to stroke patients and evaluate any barriers to their adoption. A total of 13 studies were included investigating interventions targeting non-specific mental health, depression or anxiety. The delivery technologies were: video conferencing, computer programmes, telephones, DVDs, CDs, robot-assisted devices, and personal digital assistants. Rates of refusal to participate were low (7.9-25%). Where satisfaction was reported, this was generally high. Many studies achieved high levels of adherence (up to 89.6%). This was lower for some technologies (e.g., robotic assistive devices). Where dropout occurred, this was for reasons including a decline in health as well as technical difficulties. Overall, the literature displays early evidence of using technology to deliver mental health interventions to patients with stroke. This review has identified factors that the design of future studies should take into consideration.