141 Perspectives of key stakeholders on an adaptive physical activity mHealth intervention in the prevention of secondary stroke: a qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background Engaging in regular Physical Activity (PA) is associated with lower mortality post-stroke, and PA reduces the chance of recurrent stroke. Despite recent guidelines to optimise PA post-stroke, people with stroke are known to be less active than their age-matched counterparts. Given the heterogenous nature of stroke, PA interventions, which are adaptive to individual performance, are recommended. Empirical data is lacking on the design and delivery of adaptive PA interventions post-stroke. Suggested strategies recommend the use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions. The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and development of an adaptive mHealth PA intervention post-stroke. Methods People with stroke, healthcare professionals and carers participated in semi-structured one-to-one or focus group interviews. A reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken on transcribed interviews and key themes and sub-themes were developed. Results Twenty-eight interviews were conducted across stakeholder groups including people with stroke (n = 12, mean age 55 years), healthcare professionals (n = 10) and carers (n = 6, mean age 67 years). Three main themes relevant to the design and development of the intervention were identified: (1) Key features of a mHealth PA intervention, (2) Pragmatic intervention delivery, (3) Challenges to development and use. Conclusion There was widespread agreement across stakeholder groups that an adaptive mHealth PA intervention post-stroke would be beneficial following discharge from acute care. Our data supports the development of individually adapted programs, to increase PA post-stroke. These findings present new perspectives across stakeholder groups on the design and delivery of an adaptive, mHealth PA post-stroke. Taken together with existing quantitative evidence, these findings will inform the development of a feasibility trial, examining patient and process outcomes, to increase PA levels post-stroke.