ABSTRACT

Spatial neglect is a common and severe cognitive consequence of stroke, yet there is currently no effective rehabilitation tool. Virtual Reality (VR) telerehabilitation tools have the potential to provide multisensory and enjoyable therapies and remotely monitor adherence without the presence of a therapist at all times. Researchers and industry need to better understand end-user perspectives about these technologies to ensure these are acceptable and, ultimately, optimize adherence and efficacy. This study aims to explore end-user perspectives on the use of self-administered VR for spatial neglect in a university environment to identify barriers and facilitators prior to extending its use remotely as a telerehabilitation tool. We used a mixed-method design including focus groups, self-administered questionnaires and interviews with stroke survivors (N = 7), their carers (N = 3) and stroke clinicians (N = 6). End-user perspectives identified clarity of instructions, equipment (cost, available resources) and for some, level of experience with technology as barriers of use. Perceived facilitators were performance feedback, engagement and enjoyment, and psychological benefits associated with self-administered VR telerehabilitation. Overall, end-users were positive and interested in using VR telerehabilitation for spatial neglect. These perspectives enabled us to produce practical recommendations to inform development, enhance engagement and uptake of VR telerehabilitation and inform future studies.

摘要

空间忽视是中风常见且严重的认知后果，但目前还没有有效的康复工具。虚拟现实 (VR) 远程康复工具有可能提供多感官和令人愉快的治疗，并在没有治疗师在场的情况下远程监控依从性。研究人员和行业需要更好地了解最终用户对这些技术的看法，以确保这些技术是可以接受的，并最终优化依从性和功效。本研究旨在探索最终用户对在大学环境中使用自我管理的 VR 进行空间忽视的观点，以在将其远程用作远程康复工具之前识别障碍和促进因素。我们使用了混合方法设计，包括焦点小组，N  = 7)、他们的照顾者 ( N  = 3) 和中风临床医生 ( N  = 6)。最终用户的观点将说明、设备（成本、可用资源）的清晰度以及对某些人的技术经验水平确定为使用障碍。感知到的促进因素是与自我管理的 VR 远程康复相关的绩效反馈、参与和享受以及心理益处。总体而言，最终用户对使用 VR 远程康复解决空间忽视问题持积极态度和兴趣。这些观点使我们能够提出实用的建议，为发展提供信息，加强 VR 远程康复的参与和吸收，并为未来的研究提供信息。