A Gamified Approach to Training Caregivers of Stroke Survivors

Abstract

The integration of digital innovations into caregiving and rehabilitation practices is becoming in- creasingly essential in today's technologically driven healthcare systems. This dissertation investi- gates the intersection of gamification, education, and stroke caregiving, with the goal of equipping caregivers of stroke survivors with the knowledge and motivation required to provide effective, compassionate care. Through interactive modules and reward-based systems, the proposed solu- tion promotes improved health outcomes for both caregivers and stroke survivors. This work followed a practical, user-centered development process that involved identifying key caregiving challenges, defining requirements, designing features, and building a mobile applica- tion to address these needs. Feedback was gathered throughout the process to refine the design, with a strong focus on accessibility, engagement, and ease of use for non-technical users. The core artifact is a mobile application designed for smartphones and tablets, built using React Native and Spring Boot. Development followed a deliberate, research-first approach, emphasizing user experience, content engagement, system reliability, and gamified learning. Features include educational video modules, quizzes, virtual caregiving scenarios, and a badge-based reward sys- tem that reinforces learning and encourages active participation. To validate the application, usability testing and structured feedback sessions were conducted with target users, including informal caregivers and healthcare professionals. These sessions provided insights into user satisfaction, interface clarity, and the educational impact of the app. Results indi- cate increased engagement, improved knowledge retention, and heightened caregiver confidence. This dissertation shows that applying gamification to digital caregiver training can significantly boost engagement, knowledge retention, and confidence in care delivery. The resulting application represents a meaningful contribution toward enhancing the caregiving experience and promoting sustainable, quality care for stroke survivors.