The website, which can be accessed at www.my-therappy.co.uk, helps people find the right app for their recovery and rehabilitation.
It offers a database of apps tested and recommended by clinical specialists and expert patients. The apps also come with a star rating and genuine user feedback and reviews.
Each app comes with a profile, which includes information to help the patient, family member or clinician decide if it suits the needs of the patient. This includes cost, clinician rating, user rating, app description, feedback from users and what the app can help with. The mytherappy team created the database as a result of patient demand.
The response to the website has been very positive. “In love with your fantastic website … recommending it. Great Job!! (Different Strokes)”. “Will make a real difference. (Stroke Association)”. “Excellent (Headway)”.
They have just been shortlisted for an advancing health care national. The database includes apps which can aid recovery following a Stroke or Brain Injury for difficulties with thinking, communication, arms and fingers, vision, mood, eating and drinking, doing things, being active, relaxing, pain and got questions. It also includes apps which the mytherappy team are unable to recommend.
Ruth Siewruk, advanced practitioner occupational therapist for neuro and stroke and clinical lead for the project, said: “We are delighted to launch the mytherappy website and that is being so well received” “We want to empower patients to manage their health in the way that is right for them, and this website helps those who are recovering from a stroke or brain injury to do exactly that.”
Each app’s profile also includes links to the apps stores so that users can easily download the app to their device. Users can rate the apps to give feedback to others, and suggest other apps for the team to test. The mytherappy network of app testers is spread across the UK and includes clinical specialists and expert patients who have previously had a stroke or brain injury.
The network tests thousands of apps selecting the best to be included on the website. Apps are tested using the mytherappy unique critiquing system which objectively scores the apps based on both their clinical value and safety for use.
Training on how to use apps for rehabilitation and how to critique apps is available from the mytherappy team. App developers can receive a copy of their apps testing report helping them to improve their app. Developers planning on creating an app can utilise mytherappy’s expert knowledge on what makes an app successful via their consultancy services. Regular updates about new apps and emerging evidence is available through the mytherappy mailing list or through twitter @mytherappy.
Visit the website at www.my-therappy.co.uk Contact them at [email protected]. @mytherappy