To explore how stroke survivors perceive their rehabilitation plan during the cross-sectoral rehabilitation course and examine how the rehabilitation plan supports recovery.
Participants in this qualitative study were recruited from a cohort of stroke survivors (N = 122), included during their acute in-hospital stay at the section for stroke in Nordsjælland’s Hospital, Denmark. Participants eligible for the cohort study were stroke survivors receiving a regular rehabilitation plan with a referral to rehabilitation in municipalities after discharge. The interviews were conducted by the first author, who was not part of the participant’s treatment team. A semi-structured interview guide was prepared before the interviews. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim by the first author with the use of the online AI transcription software Viceron. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis by Braun & Clarke. All participants were allowed to be accompanied by their next of kin.
We interviewed 17 participants representing the eight municipalities in the hospital area. Mean ± SD age was 69 ± 10 years, modified Rankin Scale median (IQR) 3 (2-4), Scandinavian Stroke Scale 50 (38-58), and strokes were ischemic 71%, or hemorrhagic 29%. Ten participants were male and seven were female. Eight participants were living alone. All interviews were conducted in the participant’s homes between February and April 2024 and lasted from 23 to 96 min, 48 ± 18 min. The themes and subthemes emerging from the interviews revealed participants' insecurities about the future and underscored new dimensions of health inequality in stroke rehabilitation. Although not all stroke survivors could recall how their rehabilitation goals were determined, they expressed strong opinions about their sense of involvement throughout the rehabilitation process from hospital to municipality. The findings emphasized the need for a stronger focus on establishing patient-centered goals and moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to rehabilitation.
This study reveals uncertainties and health inequalities experienced by stroke survivors during rehabilitation. While many participants could not recall how their goals were set, they expressed a strong sense of lacking involvement.
The findings highlight the need for more person-centered approaches, as a standardized rehabilitation plan does not fit all. Further efforts should focus on tailoring rehabilitation to individual needs to enhance equity and effectiveness in recovery.
patient-experience
stroke
