The impact of STRENGTH on the expected and actual transition to home experience.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and expectations of people with stroke, during their transition from hospital to home, after participating in a novel inpatient outreach program, entitled STRENGTH.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, which were undertaken at discharge and 4-6 weeks post discharge. Thematic analysis was used to code the interview transcripts.

RESULTS

The study incorporated data from seven people with stroke, who had a mean age of 61 years. Thematic analysis derived two themes, each with two sub-themes. The first theme was "Hospital and home" and described clients' experiences of therapy and the hospital environment. The second theme was "Life will never be what it was before" and elaborated on the adaptations and changing expectations that clients had before and after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

People with stroke described the therapy they received in both the hospital and home as beneficial. The results support the addition of the home-based inpatient program, STRENGTH, to the current rehabilitation system, as it appeared to realign the expectations of people with stroke and better prepare them for their discharge home.