A stroke can change lives, but for most patients its effects can be addressed with a programme of rehabilitation. Rehabilitation after stroke is enhanced by repeated and intensive practice of exercises, but due to limited resources people often find it difficult to practice their rehabilitation techniques alone after they have been discharged from hospital.
Unfortunately, this can limit their recovery, which can lead to isolation, mood disorders and stress for carers. That’s why staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital are trialling a project that embraces technology, which can be introduced at the hospital and support rehabilitation post-discharge.
By using current technology such as computer tablets and apps, people will be able to access therapy remotely, and online games can increase their enjoyment of rehabilitation.
The county-wide two-year pilot project will trial technology across primary, secondary and voluntary sectors, using a personalised gaming program ‘Neuro at Home’ to self-administer cognitive and motor rehabilitation programs prescribed by therapists; QR code technology to support people with cognitive deficits to regain independence; and occupational therapy home-visit software – to improve accuracy of home visit reports.
This project, once completed and rolled-out county wide has the potential to benefit 1500 stroke patients every year.
Diana Day, Consultant Nurse for Stroke, said: “By embracing technology and sharing learnings with colleagues and service users, we hope to increase satisfaction for stroke patients, as they will be able to self-administer part of their rehabilitation and increase their independence. It will also enhance clinical competencies and skills of therapy staff across the regional group of clinicians, and enable staff to deliver the same standard of care across the county, therefore improving clinical outcome and saving costs.”
To find out more about changing patients’ lives, please contact Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust on 01223 217757 or see www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk
_____________________________________________________