A case of severe chronic stroke with a reduction in loneliness and strengthened hope through sharing meaningful occupations: Communication with a family using an iPad

Abstract

In cases presenting severe hemiplegia and dysarthria, efforts were made in occupational therapy to improve communication skills to realize the patient's desired lifestyle. First, we introduced communication methods using a personal computer, and later we introduced iPads. Subsequently, the patient and an occupational therapist set goals, such as going out from the hospital and spending time with family. Through an interprofessional approach, hospital discharge was accomplished. Furthermore, the use of the iPad enabled communication with the family, resulting in a reduction in loneliness assessed by the Japanese version of the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale Version 3, an increase in hope assessed by the Japanese version of Herth Hope Index, and changes in facial expressions. These findings suggest that occupational therapy involving sharing cases and goals has potential for inducing changes in psychological aspects for individuals with severe post-stroke disability.