Speech and Language Therapy Weekend Service in Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study Exploring Perspectives of People With Stroke

What is already known on the subject Existing evidence on allied health weekend services within inpatient stroke rehabilitation has primarily focused on the outcomes of physical-based interventions, provided by physiotherapy and /or occupational therapy. The effectiveness of an SLT weekend service in this setting remains unclear. Furthermore, the perspectives of people with lived experience of this service are unknown. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study provides insights into the perspectives of people with acquired communication and/or swallowing impairments post stroke on the role of an SLT weekend service within inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Although weekends were considered to provide an opportunity for the delivery of additional therapy, participants also perceived weekends to play an important role in ensuring rest, facilitating social connections with existing social networks, and participating in meaningful, social activities outside of the therapeutic context. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Participants perceived that weekends were important not only to extend their weekday rehabilitation program but also to facilitate rest, social connections and engagement in socially-based activities. Understanding the experiences and preferences of people with lived experience of inpatient stroke rehabilitation is essential when planning and implementing an SLT weekend service within an inpatient stroke rehabilitation setting.