The perspectives of stroke survivors and health professionals on the use of augmented reality for inpatient stroke rehabilitation: an anticipatory exploration

Abstract Background: Augmented reality is a novel technology with potential to overlay aspects or objects from the home environment into hospital-based training, which may increase relevance and motivation for hospital-based rehabilitation. Consultation with people with lived experience and clinician stakeholders is an important step when exploring possibilities for use of new technology in the hospital environment. Aims: This study sought to understand the need and acceptability of augmented reality from the perspectives of health professionals and stroke survivors during inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study included stroke survivors (n = 4) and health professionals (n = 10) from a large metropolitan hospital. Data collection was undertaken via focus groups which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Inductive content analysis revealed three themes: everything is computerised these days; the possibilities are endless…but what about?; and bringing the outside into the hospital. Participants were open to the use of augmented reality for stroke rehabilitation; however there was uncertainty with pragmatic concerns and stroke survivors describing possible applications in building confidence and self-efficacy, and sharing experiences to enhance caregivers understanding. Conclusion: This research identified that there is potential acceptability for augmented reality in stroke rehabilitation. The needs identified by the participants may inform development of current and future technology.