Poster The Joint Annual Meeting of the Stroke Society of Australasia (SSA) and Smartstrokes 2023

The Role of Technology in Improving Quality of life and Participation of Young Stroke Survivors in Australia:  a qualitative study (#190)

Dinah Amoah 1 , Sarah Prior 2 , Matthew Schmidt 1 , Carey Mather 3 , Karen Borschmann 4 , Marika Demers 5 , Brodie M. Sakakibara 6 , Jade Cartwright 1 , Kofi Awuviry- Newton 7 , Christina Miteff 8 , Barbara Wolfenden 9 , Emelyn Jovic 1 , Marie-Louise Bird 1
  1. School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
  2. Tasmanian School of Medicine , University of Tasmania, Burnie, Tas, Australia
  3. Australian Institute of Health Service Management, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
  4. The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia
  5. School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  6. Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
  7. School of Allied Health, College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
  8. John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
  9. Wolfenden Healing Equine Assisted Therapy, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

Background: The incidence of stroke among younger populations is increasing globally. Many younger post-stroke needs are not being met, as current resources are tailored to older stroke survivors. Technology-based applications are being used more frequently in stroke rehabilitation and young stroke survivors use technology ubiquitously in their lives. Research on how technology can specifically reach and support the unique needs of young stroke survivors (18-30 years) is needed.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore how technology may be leveraged to improve the quality of life and participation of young stroke survivors in Australia.

Method: This study used a qualitative phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals via telephone or Zoom, focussing on unmet needs for young people living in the community after stroke and the role of technology. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 young stroke survivors (6 males, mean age: 24 ± 2.3 years old, 3.7 ± 4.13 years since stroke), three caregivers and three healthcare professionals. Young stroke survivors rely on technology for daily activities such as social contact, reminders, and access to information. Participants indicated that very few resources targeted at young stroke survivors exist. Five main themes emerged on ways technology can improve young stroke survivors’ quality life and participation: Availability of specific resources, Support for recovery, Care continuity, Adjustment, and Knowledge.

Conclusion: Technology-based resources should be designed to meet the specific needs of young stroke survivors.  Developing technological solutions in collaboration with young people after stroke can maximise their relevance and effectiveness in improving quality of life and participation in this unique cohort.