Exploring people with stroke’s perceptions of digital technologies in post-stroke rehabilitation – a qualitative study

Stroke survivors often report unmet rehabilitation needs. Digital care has become increasingly prevalent, but limited research has explored its role in stroke rehabilitation, particularly from perspectives of people with chronic stroke. This study aims to explore how people with stroke perceive the usage of digital technologies in post-stroke rehabilitation. A qualitative study was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023, encompassing semi-structured interviews with 17 stroke participants recruited from a Norwegian rehabilitation hospital. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. Two themes were generated 1) “Still digitally connected” Digitalisation and its impact on everyday life and rehabilitation services, and 2) “To bring people closer” The need for personal contact and responsibility in digital rehabilitation services. Participants continued using digital technologies in rehabilitation and recognised digital self-management tools as beneficial for exercising and gaining information in the stroke process. They used various technologies to stay connected to the rehabilitation network, such as video-consultations, apps and exergaming. This study highlights the importance of digital tools in managing the individuals’ rehabilitation post-stroke. Digital technologies have the potential to deliver an interactive and person-centred rehabilitation service between healthcare professionals and people with stroke, but evaluation of technology use challenges after stroke is emphasised. People who have experienced a stroke often undergo an extensive rehabilitation process, and for some, using digital technologies can enhance the convenience of their rehabilitation and strengthen self-management during this process.The use of digital technologies can provide continued connection to their rehabilitation network, facilitate knowledge sharing and feedback, and document their rehabilitation progress.Insights from this study can be used in development of digital rehabilitation services, where a person-centred approach to needs and technology skills is essential. People who have experienced a stroke often undergo an extensive rehabilitation process, and for some, using digital technologies can enhance the convenience of their rehabilitation and strengthen self-management during this process. The use of digital technologies can provide continued connection to their rehabilitation network, facilitate knowledge sharing and feedback, and document their rehabilitation progress. Insights from this study can be used in development of digital rehabilitation services, where a person-centred approach to needs and technology skills is essential.