Patient App, Empowering Rehabilitation Through Data-Driven and humanized Plans.
The Nokia Ara patient app monitors patients with knee injuries throughout the day and provides a personalized rehabilitation plan.
PROJECT OUTLINE
Ara is a thesis project conducted at the Umeå Institute of Design in collaboration with Nokia. The concept focuses on the need for personalized rehabilitation for knee injuries, particularly ACL injuries. The Ara Patient App provides users with tailored rehabilitation plans, empowering them to take control of their recovery through data and education. The app enhances patient involvement and supports therapists with valuable insights for humanized, data-driven decisions
CHALLENGE
Interviews, shadowing sessions, and workshops with patients, athletes, surgeons, and therapists revealed the current rehabilitation process's limitations. Standardized therapy fails to address individual needs, relying heavily on therapist expertise. The challenge was to create a personalized rehabilitation plan that empowers patients and provides therapists with increased insights for better decision-making.
RESULT
The Ara Patient App offers a personalized rehabilitation plan that empowers users to take an active role in their recovery. It provides access to medical information, injury details, and progress tracking, allowing patients to manage their rehabilitation effectively. Therapists receive real-time data, enabling them to make informed, personalized decisions. The app ensures patients recover faster and more efficiently through tailored rehabilitation plans.
The Ara Patient App facilitates active patient involvement in their rehabilitation journey. Users can access their medical information, injury details, and track their daily activity. The app provides alerts to rest or engage in exercises to prevent stiffness and allows secure communication with therapists. Patients can share photos and videos for precise feedback and visualize their progress, fostering motivation and a supportive environment.
EMPOWERING
PATIENTS
“when we are rehabilitating the knee the most important thing is not the surgeon, he or she can perform a semi correct job or a really good one and it won’t matter too much on the result. The most important thing is the physiotherapist, Unfortunately there are big differences between Therapists”
MARCUS BOHLIN CHIEF ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON AT NORRLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SWEDEN (DURING RESEARCH)
“THIS could be the next big thing in healthcare”
MARCUS BOHLIN CHIEF ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON AT NORRLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL SWEDEN (UPON PRESENTATION AND VALIDATION OF THE DESIGN)
RETHINKING THE REHABILITATION PROCESS
Ara redefines the rehabilitation process by starting to monitor the injury immediately. This data is shared with the therapist, enabling data-driven decisions and personalized rehabilitation plans. Patients receive tailored guidance throughout their recovery, learning how to prevent future injuries. Athletes can use Ara for preventive training, reducing injury risks. The collected data helps healthcare providers understand and optimize rehabilitation processes for each individual.
Motivation and Support
The Ara Patient App provides motivational tips and reminders to keep patients engaged in their rehabilitation plan. By fostering a positive and supportive environment, the app helps patients stay focused on their recovery goals.
PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT
Ara can also be used for injury prevention. By wearing a bracelet on each leg during exercises, individuals can monitor and improve their balance and motion. The performance app teaches proper techniques and methods tailored to specific activities. For example, basketball players can focus on landing techniques, while soccer players can improve reaction times.
Enhanced Communication with Therapists
The Ara Patient App ensures seamless communication between patients and therapists. Therapists can remotely monitor progress and make data-driven adjustments to the rehabilitation plan as needed. This close interaction ensures patients receive optimal care and guidance throughout their recovery.
