Using experience-based co-design to develop mobile/tablet applications to support a person-centred and empowering stroke rehabilitation

AIM: To investigate and describe the process of using experience-based co-design (EBCD) to develop mobile/tablet applications to support a person-centred and empowering stroke rehabilitation. SETTING: Two cross-sectoral stroke rehabilitation settings in Denmark comprising six rehabilitation units. PARTICIPANTS: Stroke survivors (n = 23), significant others (n = 18), occupational therapists (n = 12), physiotherapists (n = 9), representative of a patient organization (n = 1), application developers (n = 3) and researchers (n = 2). METHOD: A structured, facilitated EBCD approach comprising six stages was used to co-design a service that aimed to address the priorities and needs of all relevant end-users. Data were collected by interviews, participant observations, notes on “flip sheets” and written feedback on the content in the apps and on the instruction pages. Data were analyzed descriptively and with a constructivist grounded theory analysis. RESULTS: The content in the application solutions “Mit Sygehus” and “Genoptræn.dk” were co-designed to support the needs identified by all end-users. Relevant evidence-based knowledge, person-centred exercises and guidelines using video recordings were the most important among the developed content in the applications to support person-centred and empowering stroke rehabilitation. Furthermore, easy, and seamless communication were considered important. CONCLUSIONS: EBCD facilitated the development of content in the applications to support a person-centred and empowering stroke rehabilitation. Participants experienced that their contribution was considered important and valued. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40900-023-00472-z.