DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FEATURE
Indeed , the World Stroke Organisation has said of the service : ‘ Mytherappy provides curated access to mobile apps that support stroke self-managed rehabilitation .’
The service was set up in the belief that : apps can improve a person ’ s recovery and are a useful treatment tool ; selecting the right app is key ; information should be easily and freely available for patients and clinicians ; and helping patients ’ recovery is a therapist ’ s priority .
As an occupational therapist , Ruth says that she ‘ can see the benefit of using apps as an addition to an occupational therapist ’ s therapy toolkit ’, while recognising ‘ how the use of mobile devices has , for some , has become a meaningful occupation in itself ’.
Ruth also recognises the challenges that incorporating technology into modern day practice can bring . As ‘ a self proclaimed non techie ’, she says : ‘ I know how hard it is to keep up with such a fast moving industry that seems so different to our traditional treatment methods and how much of a challenge it is to find the time .’
This is why she continues to be so passionate about her work with the Mytherappy service , saying : ‘ I don ’ t want others to struggle to catch up with technology like I have . By sharing , I hope to help others learn from our mistakes .’
As well as expanding the service to include apps specifically for occupational therapists , Ruth and the team have also added a new clinical zone to the Mytherappy website , which provides tips and information on how to incorporate technology into practice , how to keep patients digitally safe , and the all important evidence base behind using apps .
If the app you want to use is not on a health app review website such as Mytherappy , Ruth ’ s top tips for finding your own include :
• always use apps found on reliable app stores ;
• always check how many downloads of the app there have been ; if it ’ s in the thousands , this is better ;
• read the reviews on the app store before recommending it ;
• research the maker of the app ; this should help tell you why they have made it ; and
• if an app is free , the maker may be after your data ; check what data is being collected .
Osborne et al ( 2020 ) conducted an exploratory study to identify meaningful content and features to inform the development of a mobile health app to improve community-based function in individuals with acquired brain injury . Participants were recruited from a university hospital in the United States . Individuals who had experienced stroke or traumatic brain injury ( n = 5 ) and their care partners ( n = 3 ), and therapists with expertise in neuro-rehabilitation ( n = 8 ), participated in focus groups . Five themes were identified from consumer focus groups : all-in-one app with customised features ; communication with healthcare providers ; cognitive strategies ; app accessibility ; and user education . The therapist focus group confirmed these themes , with the addition of : logistics of therapist time and effort to provide effective app-based services to patients .
Reference Osborne CL , Juengst SB , Smith EE ( 2020 ) Identifying user-centered content , design , and features for mobile health apps to support longterm assessment , behavioural intervention , and transitions of care in neurological rehabilitation : an exploratory study . British Journal of Occupational Therapy , Oct 07 . [ Epub ahead of print ].
EVIDENCE LINK
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