Augmented reality is a novel technology with potential to overlay aspects or objects from the home environment into hospital-based training, which may increase relevance and motivation for hospital-based rehabilitation. Consultation with people with lived experience and clinician stakeholders is an important step when exploring possibilities for use of new technology in the hospital environment.

This study sought to understand the need and acceptability of augmented reality from the perspectives of health professionals and stroke survivors during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

This qualitative descriptive study included stroke survivors (n = 4) and health professionals (n = 10) from a large metropolitan hospital. Data collection was undertaken via focus groups which were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Inductive content analysis revealed three themes: everything is computerised these days; the possibilities are endless…but what about?; and bringing the outside into the hospital. Participants were open to the use of augmented reality for stroke rehabilitation; however there was uncertainty with pragmatic concerns and stroke survivors describing possible applications in building confidence and self-efficacy, and sharing experiences to enhance caregivers understanding.

This research identified that there is potential acceptability for augmented reality in stroke rehabilitation. The needs identified by the participants may inform development of current and future technology.