Researchers seek feedback to create stroke apps

The team, led by Steven R. Levine, MD, a professor of neurology and emergency medicine at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center, will be surveying more than 70,000 stroke survivors and caregivers about their use of mobile technology and also will evaluate currently available apps to determine their benefits and drawbacks.

Finally, they will design appropriate, consumer-friendly apps that will be field tested by stroke survivors and caregivers.

Focus groups have already made suggestions including functions to help those with vision or communication problems get help when they need it and to monitor a stroke survivor when their caregiver is not present.

"It’s unbelievable how little effort has actually gone into talking with consumers," Levine said in a press release. "Putting people at the center of app development is common sense."