How is the environment integrated into post-stroke rehabilitation? A qualitative study among community-dwelling persons with stroke who receive home rehabilitation in Sweden.

Abstract

Studies have shown a need to consider environmental factors to best support the rehabilitation and recovery process after a stroke. In addition, despite intentions to increase individuals' participation in care and rehabilitation, patients and family members report weak participation. The aim of this study was to explore how the environment was integrated into rehabilitation at home from the perspective of patients after a stroke. We conducted as a qualitative study with 17 patients rehabilitated at home. Data on the participants' experiences of the rehabilitation process and their perceptions of how the environment was considered in the process were collected via interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The main category that was constructed from the data was "Partial integration of person- environment dynamics in the rehabilitation", which was informed by three subcategories: (a) I recover in my home: Challenges and opportunities in the environment, (b) Following a generic approach to therapy: Limited integration of the environment, and (c) Informed more than involved. Our study showed that the environment was integrated in a limited manner. The participants were more informed about than involved in their planning of the rehabilitation. The results are important for informing the ongoing development of rehabilitation at home and person-centred care strategies.