Acceptability of a Balance Rehabilitation Program Delivered via a Tele‐Remote Platform Among a Thai MCI Cohort
Nattawan Utoomprurkporn, Patcharaorn Limkitisupasin, Noppawan Tundiew, Gulnaz Magauina, Chawit Tunvirachaisakul, Sookjaroen Tangwongchai- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Neurology (clinical)
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Abstract
Background
Patients with mild cognitive impairment can have a decline in overall motor function and balance which are more severe than the normal older adult population. Balance rehabilitation should be offered consistently to maximize its effect. Telerehabilitation programs are emerging as a possible solution for customized balance exercises for older adults at home.
However, the acceptability of such programs among cognitive decline cohorts should be explored. Modification may be needed to tailor to the need of this population. We conducted a public involvement and engagement session with the MCI cohort according to the user‐centred design approach to gather feedback from the cohort to better improve the platform to suit the cognitive decline of older adults' needs, especially in ASIAN culture.
Method
Twenty MCI and carer volunteers from the memory clinic were invited to attend the session. The augmented reality equipment, sensors and telerehabilitation platform were shown to the group. Their opinions and feedback about the system were collected.
Result
Volunteers were keen to adopt new technology. The user experience and system usability were collected along with additional feedback from the cohort to ease the use of the platform for the cognitively impaired population.
Conclusion
The volunteer feedback promoted the customization of the platform to be more user‐friendly. Balance rehabilitation programs delivered via tele‐remote platform at home can be a potential solution among the MCI population in ASIA.