Design Requirements for a (Tele-) Rehabilitation Platform: Results from a Participatory Process

Abstract

Background: Teletherapy has the potential to foster therapy efficiency by supporting the whole therapy process. Objectives: In the ongoing project REHA2030 a service model and technology platform for telerehabilitation of stroke patients is developed. Methods: To provide a user-friendly solution, a human-centered design process was employed throughout the whole project, where stakeholders from different professions were involved. Results: Aiming at a comprehensive approach that includes the whole therapy process, structural elements from the patient data administration through planning and monitoring of exercises to documentation and reporting and communication possibilities were implemented. Flexibility in the setting and multi-professional usage with one interaction point for the patient – independent of the type of therapy – were crucial outcomes for a high user experience. Conclusion: The platform, consisting of a tablet with an app, integrable therapy devices for the patient and a web-interface for the therapist will be tested and evaluated within the project with 12 participants (patients and therapists) in a real-life setting.