The requirements, the relationships, and the rules: experiences and perceptions of how time is spent supporting recovery on a stroke rehabilitation unit for stroke survivors with aphasia.
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All Authors
Thomson, J.
Thiel, L.
LTHT Author
Thomson, Jennifer
LTHT Department
Adult Therapies
Speech & Language Therapy
Speech & Language Therapy
Non Medic
Speech & Language Therapist
Publication Date
2025
Item Type
Article In Press
Language
Subject
Subject Headings
Abstract
Background: Stroke survivors with aphasia experience a range of challenges during hospital-based stroke rehabilitation. These include limited rehabilitative activities and difficulties interacting with healthcare professionals. There has been limited exploration of the experience of stroke survivors with aphasia in how their time is spent supporting recovery in hospitals in the UK. Aim(s): This qualitative interview study aimed to answer the question: What are the perceptions and experiences of adult stroke survivors with aphasia on how time is spent supporting their recovery on a stroke rehabilitation unit? Methods & procedures: Six people with aphasia were interviewed prior to their discharge from a hospital-based subacute stroke unit. Participants were three men and three women, with an average age of 65 years, a range of aphasia severity, and an average 97-day length of stroke unit stay. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Transcriptions were analysed using reflexive Thematic Analysis. Result(s): Three main themes were found: The requirements showed how participants did not feel that their therapy was sufficient or sufficiently meaningful; The relationships demonstrated that stroke survivors felt supported by their family, stroke survivor peers, and staff, although staff inconsistency disrupted their rehabilitation; finally, The restrictions described how participants felt excluded from conversations and disempowered in decision-making. Conclusion(s): The findings show that stroke survivors with aphasia would be better supported in their recovery if they had more meaningful activities during their time on a stroke unit, more consistent staff support and more opportunities for collaborative decision-making.
Journal
Aphasiology