Rehabkompassen

Stroke is the most common cause of adult disability - 15 million people worldwide are affected every year, and in Sweden, an estimated 100,000 stroke survivors live with long-term rehabilitation needs. The symptoms that follow are often convoluted, and can affect the patient both physically, mentally, and emotionally. A short visit to the clinic is therefore rarely sufficient to map the entire complex symptom picture of the patient.

To meet these challenges, we at MT-FoU in collaboration with the Neuro-head-neck center (NHHC) are developing the digital follow-up tool Rehabkompassen™. Based on self-assessment questionnaires that the patient answers from their home, the tool presents a comprehensive and graphical view of their rehabilitation needs. Therefore, the tool can function as a guideline and support decision-making during team assessment and doctor visits, where the patient's needs are at the center of attention. 

Rehabkompassen™ is expected to contribute to a more equal, patient-centered and efficient stroke rehabilitation care, and to facilitate the patient's transition between different levels of care (municipal, primary and hospital care). This can in turn facilitate individualized rehabilitation and improve the function, daily activities, and quality of life for the patients, without additional expense to the limited resources in healthcare. This could lead to major savings regarding human suffering and shared healthcare and community resources.  

The tool is currently being trialed in a pilot research study (2019–2021) at NHHC at Norrland’s University Hospital. User-friendliness, usefulness, health economic effects, and other aspects will be evaluated. Specialist doctor Xiaolei Hu at NHHC is the idea creator and project owner. 

Contact:  
marcus.karlsson@regionvasterbotten.se 
karolina.jonzen@regionvasterbotten.se