In the initial phase of our project, we found that individuals who have experienced a stroke generally feel well-supported by the currently available technologies for home use. They did not express specific needs for new technologies. Instead, they emphasized the lack of an overview of the many existing options and expressed a desire for decision-making aids to help them choose the most suitable technologies.

Therapists also expressed satisfaction with the technologies available for home use by stroke patients. However, they identified two key needs: first, greater clarity regarding the reimbursement of such technologies, and second, paid time to stay up to date on new developments. They highlighted that they can only recommend and teach the use of these technologies to their clients if they themselves have the time to familiarize themselves with them—a task that is often carried out during their personal time, as there is currently no reimbursement for this effort.

The group with the most unmet needs was the informal caregivers. These are individuals who support stroke survivors in their daily lives without payment and often without formal training. They are typically (spouses) partners, children, parents, other relatives, or friends. Their responsibilities range from caregiving tasks (e.g., personal hygiene, medication administration, wound care if needed) to organizational tasks (e.g., transportation to medical appointments or therapy sessions) and everyday chores (e.g., shopping or managing finances).

This group expressed a strong need for training in various areas, as they often felt left alone and inadequately informed. Many also reported being pressed for time, making it essential to have learning resources that are accessible anytime and anywhere.

Next Steps: A New Project for Caregivers
Based on the results of the initial project phase, a follow-up project has been launched. This is currently being carried out by two of our Master's students, Ms. Valeria Mäusli and Ms. Sonja Willmann. As part of this project, a national survey is being conducted to deepen the insights gained from the interviews.

In addition, the students are developing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)—a free online learning resource specifically tailored to the needs of caregivers of stroke survivors. The goal is to address caregivers’ knowledge gaps and provide practical support. At the end of the project, the MOOC will be tested to evaluate its usability and effectiveness.

Stroke is one of the leading causes worldwide of long-term limitations in daily activities and participation in everyday life. Occupational therapists play a pivotal role in supporting individuals after a stroke to regain independence and reintegrate into their daily routines, enhancing their quality of life.

A significant number of stroke survivors express a strong desire to return to their familiar home environment. This transition often depends on the support of family members or other informal caregivers. For this reason, it is crucial to involve these caregivers actively in the occupational therapy process and address their needs as well.

Technology holds great potential for outpatient stroke rehabilitation, particularly for home-based use. However, there is limited knowledge about which technologies are perceived as most beneficial by stroke survivors, their caregivers, and therapists, as well as about the specific needs of these groups.

Study Objectives
This study aims to explore the perspectives and needs of three key groups:

• Stroke survivors living in private households,
• Informal caregivers who support them in their daily lives,
• And occupational therapists involved in their rehabilitation.

The focus is on the use of technologies for home-based rehabilitation during the recovery process in Switzerland. Using qualitative research methods, we aim to identify the specific requirements and expectations of these groups, helping to optimize the use of technologies and improve the sustainability of stroke rehabilitation.