New Perspectives in Science Education

The Mobile Assistance for Group & Individuals within the Community – Stroke Rehabilitation (MAGIC) pre-commercial procurement (PCP) challenge is being conducted by the Regional Business Services Organisation (BSO), Northern Ireland funded by EC.
The main goal of the MAGIC PCP challenge is to develop new, innovative technology based solutions that improve physical function and thus personal independence, within the first six months following the onset of stroke.
For understanding the complex needs of patients, carers and practitioners, the MAGIC group conducted many stakeholder engagement events with much time being spent with those who have survived a stroke. As expected they described their experience of a lack of access to rehabilitation services and individualised therapy programmes. Stroke survivors and carers expressed a sense that access to different support services was uneven, depending on where the stroke survivor lived, creating a kind of “postcode lottery”. They described how resource constraints often lead to an inadequate support and missed opportunities for rehabilitation. In 2017, BSO, ASLTO3, University of Chieti and AOU Ospedali Riuniti of Ancona organized a lot of events for engaging the patients and caregivers. More 100 patients and caregiver had been engaged in order to identify the needs of care.
Stroke survivors described their experience of hidden disabilities e.g. fatigue, pain, mood, sleep disturbance and memory impairment. Stroke survivors and carers described the impact of stroke on lifestyle, independence and functional abilities, leading to potential financial strains, relationship difficulties, lack of independence and impact on family members. Learning to adjust to life after stroke was difficult, and they described much anxiety and fear in dealing with the consequences of the longterm effects.
During the Phase 3 of Pre-Commercial Procurement will begin on 1 November, a training course for the patients and professionals using the innovations tools, according to the public-private partnership, will be develop by the partners from Italy and North Ireland.
The suppliers will design the training pathway for each new solution involving the patients and caregivers representatives.
40 patients and caregivers will be involved by ASLTo3 in the clinical trial after ethical Committee approval for 18 months.

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