ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A724 PERCEIVED BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS OF WORK-ORIENTED CARE FOR STROKE PATIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract Background and aims Stroke has a profound impact on patients’ lives, particularly among individuals of working age. Return-to-work rates after stroke remain low, and the risk of unemployment is substantially higher in stroke patients compared to peers without a history of stroke. The aims of this study were to examine the needs and experiences of patients and healthcare professionals, and the barriers and facilitators to discussing return to work during rehabilitation and aftercare. Methods This study was conducted at two Dutch hospitals and comprised two focus groups with stroke patients (total n=13; age 37 – 63 years) and two with healthcare professionals caring for stroke patients (total n=19). Groups were moderated by a trained independent facilitator and followed a predefined topic guide on return to work. Sessions were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Several themes were identified by patients and healthcare professionals, functioning as both barriers and facilitators. At the organizational level, factors such as fragmented and poorly coordinated care, limited interprofessional collaboration, complex work--related situations, and restrictive employment-related laws and regulations were identified. At the professional level, gaps in work--related knowledge and expertise among professionals were noted. At the patient level, limited patient knowledge, individual factors influencing return to work, unclear professional roles, and workplace context were recognized. Conclusions Return to work after stroke is influenced by interacting barriers and facilitators at the organizational, professional and patient level. This study demonstrated a need for a more coordinated, multidisciplinary, and patient-centered return-to-work rehabilitation and aftercare. Conflict of interest nothing to disclose