Questions:
1. What are the main symptoms of stroke survivors?
2. How can stroke survivors improve their physical and mental condition?
3. Are there specific tools, equipment, therapies, games, etc., required to improve their conditions that are helpful in your opinion?
4. Would you suggest any improvements in the existing resources and tools? What could be further implemented or designed to assist the recovery stages?
5. What therapies primarily work for stroke patients and what seems ineffective for most patients?
6. Do most of your patients motivate themselves to train and exercise independently?
7. Are patients facing difficulties in their healing and exercising journey?
Answers:
to 1: Different, depending on the localization of the stroke. In the typical ACM closure, hemiplegia (spastic or flaccid) and speech disorder when the left hemisphere is affected. to 2: - physiotherapy - speech therapy - aids such as crutches, walkers, wheelchairs - adjustment of the domestic environment to 3: speech therapy, physiotherapy, possibly occupational therapy. Walking aids, rollators, etc. stair lifts, care bed, stand-up aid. Regarding 4. Existing tools and therapies are sufficient Regarding 5: Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy work best. Drug therapy is mostly ineffective in improving symptoms. 6: Varies, some patients are very motivated, other patients let themselves go and are not motivated, often overlaid with depression Regarding 7: Insufficient financing of the therapy by the health insurance companies (duration and frequency of the therapy).
Analysis:
Overall, the feedback from the doctor highlights the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of the existing therapies. The doctor’s responses to question six clarified that patients require motivation as they can often be consumed with depression. This feedback links directly to my gaming solution, in which colors, lights, and interactive tools are suggested for motivational purposes. The doctor also stated that there are variations in stroke impact and these levels need to be considered for appropriate therapies and tools. Finally, the doctor recognized the lack of financing available for the health service, which presents challenges in completing or developing these remedies.
Evidence:
(Conversation in German, Translation above)