Post-stroke use of robotics

Unfortunately, strokes are a major health issue in the Netherlands and are the third leading cause of death. When a stroke is not fatal, rehabilitation is often needed for the best possible recovery. One of the most disabling consequences for patients is arm paralysis. Using robotics to train the arm can improve recovery but is not yet used by all practitioners in rehabilitation. 

Despite proven effectiveness, arm and hand function robots are still underused in post-stroke rehabilitation. This research project conducted by the research group Rehabilitation and Technology (of the Centre of Expertise Health Innovation) shows that successful deployment depends on several factors which can be divided into three related domains: the robotics, the user and the organisation. 

Objective

The project aims to explore how rehabilitation professionals view the use of robotics in the post-stroke rehabilitation process. This includes identifying reasons for adopting or rejecting robotics. Finally, solutions to perceived barriers are explored. ⁷

Target group 

The target group of this project are people with arm/hand function problems rehabilitating after stroke and rehabilitation professionals involved in arm/hand function training. 

Method

In this qualitative research project, three focus group discussions were held with interested rehabilitation professionals from Basalt, a centre of excellence of rehabilitation care in The Hague. Based on these interviews, determinants of whether or not to use robotics were identified, using the so-called Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) 2.0. In addition, solutions were outlined. 

Results

Most of the identified determinants fell within the CFIR domains of innovation, individuals and organisational characteristics. Examples of determinants included the flexibility to adapt robotic devices to therapeutic games, the fear of practitioners to lose personal interaction with patients and the technical infrastructure of the rehabilitation centre. Suggested solutions included improving the usability of robotics and training practitioners to make their attitude towards robotics more positive.   

Conclusion

Successful use of robotics in the treatment of people after stroke requires attention to the technological functionalities of the robotics, the attitudes and skills of the practitioners and the characteristics of the organisation within which this is done. 

Duration

A student previously worked on this project for several months. It is currently continued by researchers from the research group. 

Collaboration

For this project, The Hague University of Applied Sciences is collaborating with Basalt, an expertise centre of rehabilitation care in The Hague. 

Team 

• Ester de Jonge
• Jorit Meesters 

Contact 

• Jorit Meesters ([email protected])
• Ester de Jonge ([email protected])