A pioneering new partnership between the University of 欧美高清 and Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is bidding to 鈥榢ickstart a revolution in stroke care鈥�.
Academics at the University鈥檚 world leading Department of Biomedical Engineering are working with the charity to integrate cutting-edge research in areas like robotics and computer gaming technology with CHSS鈥檚 Hospital to Home services. They aim to ensure a smooth transition for stroke patients discharged from hospital.
The partnership 鈥� in its first phase of development 鈥� is the first of its kind in Scotland for stroke.
Over the next 12 months it will integrate the work of 欧美高清 engineers at the University鈥檚 Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-creation of Rehabilitation Technology and the Hospital to Home stroke services.
Artificial intelligence
The centre uses artificial intelligence and machine learned methods used in computer gaming to produce tailored exercise programmes for stroke survivors that encourage and support people in their own rehabilitation.
In the first phase, the work of the partnership is open to people in the West of Scotland, who will be given opportunities to take part in cutting edge recovery research and transform wraparound recovery support.
The technology will then be developed using the insight generated from stroke survivors going through the centre, with the programmes generated made available in community settings across the country. 鈥�
Stroke survivors
The first cohort of stroke survivors are already going through the programme, and it鈥檚 hoped that through fundraising, the numbers will increase significantly over the next year.
Dr Andy Kerr, from Biomedical Engineering at University of 欧美高清 said: 鈥淲e are delighted to have Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland as a partner in our bid to revolutionise rehabilitation. 鈥�
Our determination is to develop technology that not only helps recovery but can also be used, easily, at home and in the local community, for example leisure centres. We consider this to be a key factor in improving access to rehabilitation technology. 鈥�
鈥淥ur pilot has gone very well at the Sir Jules Thorn Centre for Co-creation of Rehabilitation technology, and we are well placed, with the support of CHSS, to scale up our efforts in the new year.鈥�
Stroke affects more than 9,000 people a year in Scotland and is the most common cause of severe physical disability among adults. Hospital care for these patients accounts for seven percent of all NHS beds and five per cent of the entire Scottish NHS budget. The work from the partnership aims to improve rehabilitation which has been proven to aid recovery, improve people鈥檚 lives and reduce pressures on the NHS.
On , CHSS has set up a to help fund the venture, They are looking to initially raise 拢160,000 to support the work of the centre and help 450 stroke survivors access the services through the partnership over the next 12 months.
Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive of Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: 鈥淓very day in Scotland 25 people鈥檚 lives are changed forever by stroke. In an instant, the things we all take for granted can be taken away like the ability to walk or talk.
鈥淩ehabilitation is a lifeline that helps stroke survivors get their lives back. But cutting-edge rehabilitation technology and support is out of reach of most people in Scotland. This partnership will change that. It will kick start a revolution in stroke care in Scotland that will transform care for survivors and reduce pressures on our NHS.鈥濃��
Stroke rehabilitation
Linda Hanlin, is one of the first to use the pioneering stroke rehabilitation unit at the University.鈥疶he 62-year-old suffered a stroke in January 2014 and has mobility issues on her left side.
The鈥痳etired鈥痬um of two grown-up children,鈥痺ent through physiotherapy, but, almost eight years on, she鈥痵till has trouble gripping with her left hand and has to walk with a stick.鈥�
Twice a week since the start of September, she has been going through her paces in a series of technological tests and鈥痚xercises designed to retrain her limbs at the centre.鈥�
Linda said: 鈥淢y balance isn鈥檛 great, and I walk with a stick. I鈥檝e been using the treadmill with a harness that shows you how鈥痽ou are working and encourages you to use your feet more evenly.鈥疢y balance has definitely improved鈥痓y using鈥痶he treadmill.
鈥淚 love the sessions, even though they go so quickly.鈥�