Development of an App to Support Service Users Understanding of Cognitive Changes After Stroke

Community Stroke Services recognised that, in common with many other services around the country, they spent a lot of time educating clients and their families about the cognitive challenges they were facing. Methods:Existing information sheets were limited in that they presented too much information at once and therapists could not grade the information given. Re-writing them would result in an abundance of paper which could lead to greater confusion. In an attempt to make the information as accessible and customisable as possible, the team set about developing an app designed to give service users the information they needed, presented in a way that was cognitively appropriate.Results:The team developed the content and layout and then handed over the process to an app designer commissioned by the Trust. The designers were able to work the content into a recognisable app and worked collaboratively with the authors to ensure that the finished app continued to meet the brief.Conclusion:The final app is due for imminent release having been reviewed by service users, clinicians and the communications team. It is thought to be the first app of its kind, aimed at the education of service users and carers, and will be available on both iOS and Android platforms.