Cognitant and University College London Hospitals (UCLH) Celebrate Research Findings of My Stroke Companion

Cognitant, a leader in digital patient support solutions, in collaboration with University College London Hospitals (UCLH), is proud to announce the compelling results of research conducted on the impact of “My Stroke Companion,” a pioneering digital companion designed to support stroke survivors and their families. The findings, derived from an evaluation of the companion’s efficacy, highlight its pivotal role in post-stroke care and empowering individuals on their journey to recovery.

Stroke is a major global health challenge, claiming millions of lives annually and imposing significant economic burdens on healthcare systems and society. In the UK alone, where stroke ranks as the fourth largest killer, over 100,000 strokes are recorded each year, leaving a profound impact on survivors and their loved ones. Against this backdrop, “My Stroke Companion” offers much needed, personalised support and resources to navigate the complexities of life after stroke.

The pilot work, conducted in collaboration with the hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU) at University College London Hospitals (UCLH), yielded promising results that underscore the transformative potential of “My Stroke Companion.” Over a six-month period, 504 information prescriptions were issued to stroke survivors, facilitating access to tailored information and resources through the platform. Notably, 400 unique users engaged with the platform, spending an average of 6 minutes navigating relevant content pertinent to their stroke diagnosis and care plan. A significant increase in understanding of stroke was observed among both stroke survivors and caregivers after accessing “My Stroke Companion,” with comprehension rates soaring from 31% to 88% and 35% to 96%, respectively.

The platform received high marks for usability, with 81% of stroke survivors and 93% of caregivers rating it as “fairly” or “extremely” easy to use and navigate. The vast majority of users (91% of stroke survivors and 92% of caregivers) found the content to be clear and easy to understand, supporting greater accessibility.

In terms of overall Satisfaction, impressively, 91% of stroke survivors and 85% of caregivers expressed satisfaction with “My Stroke Companion,” highlighting its value as a trusted resource in their post-stroke journey.

Dr. Rob Simister, Clinical Lead of the UCLH Comprehensive Stroke Service, and Clinical Lead for My Stroke Companion, is delighted with the platform’s impact, emphasising its role in fostering informed decision-making and improving patient outcomes. He states, “This new educational platform will allow more people to understand their stroke and the plans for their recovery and will encourage them to actively manage their own recovery. It is critical for stroke survivors to have access to such personalised, reliable and accessible information in the journey towards recovery”.

Simone Browning, North Central London Stroke Pathway Coordinator at UCLH, shares this enthusiasm for the Companion, stating, “The success of ‘My Stroke Companion’ reflects our commitment to harnessing digital innovation to enhance patient care and outcomes. By partnering with Cognitant, we’ve been able to develop a solution that truly addresses the needs of stroke survivors and their families, empowering them with knowledge and support.”

Testimonials from stroke survivors further validate the platform’s effectiveness, with users praising its personalised approach and invaluable support. One survivor commends the platform for providing trustworthy information that is “all in one place and it is targeted at me and my condition”, and highlights its significance in aiding caregivers, remarking, “Helping caregivers makes a huge difference.”

With its resounding success at UCLH and four additional NHS sites, “My Stroke Companion” stands poised to transform stroke care on a national scale. The platform’s innovative approach, coupled with its demonstrated impact on patient engagement and understanding, positions it as a vital tool for stroke, empowering individuals to navigate life after stroke.

For further information on “My Stroke Companion” or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact the Cognitant team at hello@cognitant.com.