How do people who have had a stroke experience the transition from inpatient rehabilitation to home? A qualitative study

Melanie Beynon, Aislinn F. Lalor, Linda Barclay, Sarah Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalMeeting Abstractpeer-review

Abstract

Introduction / rationale
Stroke is a leading cause of disability among adults worldwide and can have devastating consequences for the person affected and their families. People frequently require prolonged periods of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation following acute hospitalisation to manage residual impairments that impact their capacity to perform everyday occupations as they transition home. Research on transition home from inpatient rehabilitation following stroke is limited.

Objectives
To explore and understand the expectations and experiences of transitioning home from inpatient rehabilitation for people who have had a stroke. Research questions: 1) perceptions regarding preparedness and readiness for returning home; 2) challenges experienced; and, 3) supporting factors during transition home.

Methods
In this qualitative study, ten adults who had a stroke, completed semi-structured interviews, prior to and following their discharge home from sub-acute rehabilitation. Field notes and a reflective journal were incorporated to enhance the trustworthiness of the data.

Results
Six pre-discharge themes and three post-discharge themes were identified. Pre-discharge themes were: prioritising physical recovery; social support assists in transitioning home; ongoing rehabilitation; medical professionals help or hinder the transition home process; desire to return to meaningful occupations; and, eagerness to return home. Post-discharge themes were: comfort/familiarity of home; focus on physical recovery continues once home; and, adapting to new capacities once home.

Conclusion
The information gained from this study informs allied health professionals working with people returning home following stroke rehabilitation, and may aid in the development of more effective discharge plans through understanding what challenges or assists them after their stroke. The findings align with the occupational therapy conference theme “Together Towards Tomorrow” and will be discussed and integrated in relation to future occupational therapy practice and research.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)63
Number of pages1
JournalAustralian Occupational Therapy Journal
Volume66
Issue numberS1
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019
EventOccupational Therapy Australia National Conference and Exhibition 2019: Together Towards Tomorrow - International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia
Duration: 10 Jul 201912 Jul 2019
Conference number: 28th
http://www.otaus2019.com.au/events/occupational-therapy-australia-28th-national-conference-and-exhibition-2019/event-summary-de4c35633e774e10beab607c7ad481cf.aspx

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