ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A386 EXPERIENCES OF HOME-BASED REHABILITATION AFTER A STROKE

Abstract Background and aims Early supported discharged (ESD) is an intensive interdisciplinary home-based service offered following acute hospitalisation after a stroke. ESD is recognised as being at least as effective as hospital-based rehabilitation, at a lower cost. The environment plays a crucial role in rehabilitation: it must be stimulating, active and complex. The typical hospital environment is known for its limitations, which promote inactivity. But what about the home? The objective was to explore the characteristics of the environment that may influence the experience of home-based rehabilitation. Methods Qualitative design with a phenomenological orientation. Data collection through individual interviews with stroke survivors who received ESD services (group 1) and their relatives (group 2), and through a focus group discussion with rehabilitation professionals (group 3). Use of an interview guide developed by field experts with a theoretical basis. Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Discussion of results until a team consensus was reached on the classification grid. Results Group 1 (n=15, 7 women) ranged in age from 47 to 94. Group 2 (n=10) was mainly represented by partners (8/10). Group 3 (n=10) included 4 occupational therapists, 3 physical therapists, 2 speech language pathologists and 1 social worker. The familiar home environment was found to increase opportunities for concrete action and to promote a greater sense of well-being. Group 1 and 2 did not feel especially isolated whereas group 3 mentioned challenges in this regard, sometimes lacking support from peers. Conclusions The participants’ experiences shed light on ways to improve and adapt home-based rehabilitation services. Conflict of interest All authors : Nothing to disclose