Stroke can damage the brain, which may make it harder for survivors to think clearly, solve problems, and remember things. These changes in thinking can make it difficult for people to return to their jobs after a stroke. More and more, people are using computer-based exercises in rehabilitation and therapy to help with recovery. One such program, called RehaCom Online, is designed to help retrain the brain and improve decision-making and thinking skills.
This project is looking at whether stroke survivors (aged 18-65) consider using RehaCom Online acceptable and feasible when used alongside regular occupational therapy care, to help improve their thinking and get back to work more quickly. The project will include people between the ages of 18 and 65 who are already receiving occupational therapy and whose therapy goals focus on return to work. Those who meet the study requirements will take part in a five-week course using the RehaCom Online software, in addition to their usual therapy sessions. They will also take tests to measure their attention, memory, and thinking skills and perceived work readiness.
The main goals of the project are:
1. To find out if young stroke survivors use and engage with the computer-based treatment. 2. To learn about stroke survivors' experiences and feelings when using the treatment. 3. To see if this treatment influences stroke survivors' perceived readiness to return to work.
If the findings are promising, this project could lead to a larger study to better understand how the programme helps people recover and return to work in the long term.
Ages 18-65 (working age)
Score of 12 or more on a specific test of thinking called Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS)
Referred to NHS based services with a goal to return to work
Can do assessments in English and use a computer
Have seizures
Have vision problems specific to stroke
Have trouble understanding English language due to their stroke symptoms
Lack capacity to provide consent for participation
Single group
RehaCom online
Other interventionParticipants will use an online computer-based brain training programme called RehaCom Online (or alternatively called RehaCom) along with their regular therapy. They will engage with at least two 30 minutes training sessions per week for 5 weeks, with a total of 10 sessions. The may choose to engage with a maximum of five 30-minutes sessions per week for 5 weeks, with a total of 25 sessions. The frequency and duration will be personalised. Initial training on RehaCom online will be offered online and this will count as one session. The rest will be supervised remotely by the researcher using RehaCom Online software. Sessions will be completed independently in a location of participant's choosing, i.e. at home. Participants of the study will be able to contact the researcher via telephone, email or the RehaCom Online message function with a response time frame of 24-48 hours. Participants will have the flexibility to use rest breaks during the RehaCom training intervention.
RehaCom online assessment
Records a percentage increase in the module scores completed on RehaCom online.
Semi Structured interviews
Semi structured interviews focussing on subjective experience of RehaCom online use will be completed by the researcher and qualitative data will be recorded for analysis.
Behavioural Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome-DEX Questionnaire
This is a standardised assessment of patient and carer report of executive function.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
This is a standardised cognitive screening tool
Work Ability Index
This is a standardised assessment tool that assessed perceived ability to work.
Motivation at work questionnaire
This is a patient reported questionnaire standardised to record perceived motivation at work.
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Bournemouth University
Lead sponsor
Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Collaborator
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