ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1590 VISUALISING 30 YEARS OF THE SOUTH LONDON STROKE REGISTER: A PHOTOVOICE STUDY ON THE HIDDEN IMPACTS OF STROKE

Abstract Background and aims To mark the impact of 30 years of the South London Stroke Register (SLSR), a photovoice project was undertaken with stroke survivors. The stroke survivors, as co-researchers, decided to focus on the hidden impacts of stroke and how informal support helps individuals with stroke recovery. Methods Four workshops were conducted, with five stroke survivors. Co-researchers were approached through the SLSR, varying in age, ethnicity, and levels of stroke severity. Co-researchers established two themes for the photographs. Photos were then taken, shared and discussed. Participants then selected their top two photographs to put forward for a public exhibition, with co-researchers asked to write captions to accompany their photographs and those of their colleagues. Results Photovoice offered potential for expressions of the ‘hidden’ or ‘invisible effects of stroke’, providing an outlet through which to communicate experiences of isolation and loneliness within stroke recovery. The photographs enabled co-researchers to communicate ‘the hard to explain’ and the daily difficulties which they face in navigating work, social life and the urban environment. Participants noted the importance of visual tools when communicating the turmoil after stroke with their wider network of support. Conclusions The study highlights the potential to communicate the ‘hidden’/ ‘incomprehensible’ effects of stroke, with visual methods enabling stroke survivors to control the narrative rather than relying on researchers. Further research is required to examine the effectiveness of photovoice in enabling stroke survivors with diverse impacts to engage meaningfully and effectively in research and involvement activities. Conflict of interest This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research (NIHR202339) and is supported by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) South London at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care