Facilitating positive role transition: the experiences of patients with acute stroke. undergoing early rehabilitation—a qualitative study

To explore the experiences and expectations of patients with acute stroke (admitted within two weeks after stroke onset) participating in early rehabilitation, and to identify opportunities to optimize rehabilitation outcomes. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted using face-to-face, offline semi-structured, one-on-one interviews among 26 patients with acute stroke. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist guided reporting (see Appendix S1). A total of 26 patients with acute stroke participated. Through thematic analysis, four distinct role-related states were identified: (1) Role Transformation Ineffective; (2) Role Transformation Lag; (3) Role Adaptation; and (4) Role Integration. Collectively, these states form an overarching core theme: facilitating a positive transition of roles during early rehabilitation. Early facilitation of positive role transition may support the smooth initiation of early rehabilitation, enhance rehabilitation efficacy, and reduce disability rates among patients with stroke.