Health knowledge after stroke in Switzerland: A survey on current practice and suggestions for the implementation of a technology-based educational program

Abstract Background Stroke affects every year several million people, and it is estimated that 1 in 4 stroke survivors has a second stroke. Educating stroke patients about risk factors for stroke and a generally healthier lifestyle may help prevent recurrent strokes, which are a burden on society and the healthcare system. Technology-based education (i.e., health information delivered by digital platforms such as smartphones or rehabilitation technologies) can help to improve health knowledge among stroke patients by reaching a large number of people without creating additional work for the already overburdened healthcare professionals. However, the methods for optimally delivering information with the help of technology, as well as the actual content that should be conveyed, remain unclear. The goals of this paper were to investigate the estimated level of knowledge of stroke patients regarding their disease, the methods of information commonly used in clinical practice, the topics that should be included in an educational program aimed at improving health knowledge among stroke survivors, and how such a program could be delivered with the help of a rehabilitation technology. Methods We performed a survey among health professionals working with stroke patients in Switzerland. Results 161 health professionals of different backgrounds took part in the survey, and 94 completed it. According to the results, 47% of healthcare professionals considered stroke patients to be somehow informed about stroke after one month from stroke onset, and only 33% thought that patients were well informed. These findings suggest that there is room for improvement in how stroke patients are educated about stroke, risk factors, and prevention. Additionally, it was highlighted that technology is not commonly used in clinical practice to support patients’ education, although this is an acceptable method for healthcare professionals. The results also helped to identify key topics to be included in an educational program and the methods that could be used when implementing such a program in rehabilitation technologies. Conclusions This work allowed gaining more insight into healthcare professionals’ opinions on the potential of technology-based education and key aspects to consider when implementing it to support health knowledge after stroke and prevent recurrent strokes.