Enriching stroke rehabilitation from the perspective of stroke survivors

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Gustafsson, Louise
Scott, Peter
Purcell, Sarah
Molineux, Matthew
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2018
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Sydney, Australia

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Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation teams have increased group programs and introduced environmental enrichment to reduce the time that patients spend inactive and alone in stroke rehabilitation. An unexplored perspective is that of stroke survivors; how would they prefer to spend this time during stroke rehabilitation?

Aims: To explore the perspectives of stroke survivors regarding their needs and current level of opportunity for engagement in meaningful activities during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological study included people in hospital-based stroke rehabilitation with adequate cognition and communication to participate in interviews. Semi-structured interviews explored how people spent their time during stroke rehabilitation and suggestions for changes. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached.

Results: Eight participants (5 men; 3 women) with a mean age of 72 (SD 12.6) were interviewed after 25.5 (SD 12.1) days in rehabilitation. Two major themes emerged from the data. The first theme “Therapy as a meaningful activity” identified that therapy was not just an occupation that they were obligated to perform but wanted to engage in. This was enhanced when therapy included occupations that were regularly completed at home. The second theme “Celebration of quiet moments” identified that time spent in self-isolating or sedentary activities was equally important as it allowed rest and recovery, and engagement in other occupations.

Discussion: The findings provide information to inform how stroke survivors currently, and prefer to, spend their time during rehabilitation. Importantly, they highlight that opportunities for rest and recovery are valued, allowing for consolidation and then preparation for therapy activities.

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International Journal of Stroke

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13

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Clinical sciences

Neurosciences

Allied health and rehabilitation science

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Clinical Neurology

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Neurology

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Gustafsson, L; Scott, P; Purcell, S; Molineux, M, Enriching stroke rehabilitation from the perspective of stroke survivors, International Journal of Stroke, 2018, 13, pp. 7-7