ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A2468 NORDIC AND BALTIC HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ PERSPECTIVES ON HOME-BASED STROKE REHABILITATION

Abstract Background and aims Two-thirds of stroke survivors require additional rehabilitation at home. The home has the potential to offer a rich environment for rehabilitation and recovery following stroke, as Environmental Enrichment research has repeatedly shown. Nevertheless, the successful implementation of home-based rehabilitation remains a challenge in the Nordic and Baltic regions. The perspectives and lived experiences of healthcare professionals can provide insights for improving current practices and maximizing the use of the home environment. Aim To explore how healthcare professionals perceive home-based rehabilitation and the potential of home modifications to support the rehabilitation process. Methods Interviews were conducted with 19 healthcare professionals in Latvia, Sweden, and Norway. The interviews were performed in native languages, transcribed into English, and analysed using codebook thematic analysis. Results Participants highlighted that rehabilitation focused on ADL training, and collaborative goal setting with stroke survivors and families was essential for effective home-based rehabilitation. Rehabilitation success relied on patients’ responsibility, family involvement, tailored functional goals, and self-management. The coordination of multidisciplinary home visits was identified as a key challenge. Further, the home was often underutilised as a recovery space. Modifications to the home environment primarily focused on accessibility, such as safety aids, rather than integrating the home into the therapeutic process. Conclusions Home-based rehabilitation has the potential for meaningful recovery, but its success depends on addressing organisational challenges and fully leveraging the potential of home environment. Greater emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration and developmentally appropriate modifications to the home environments can enhance outcomes for stroke survivors. Conflict of interest Ann Marie Hestetun-Mandrup: nothing to disclose