Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Stroke survivors' perspectives on decisions about their transition to independent walking in hospital: a qualitative study. |
| Authors: |
Bainbridge, L. (AUTHOR), Burton, E. (AUTHOR), Field, M. (AUTHOR), Wong, Y. C. (AUTHOR), Hill, K. D. (AUTHOR), Fary, R. E. (AUTHOR) |
| Source: |
Disability & Rehabilitation. Mar2026, Vol. 48 Issue 6, p1730-1741. 12p. |
| Subjects: |
Risk assessment, Stroke units, Research funding, Qualitative research, Patient safety, Rehabilitation nursing, Interviewing, Statistical sampling, Toilet training, Decision making, Hospitals, Descriptive statistics, Psychological adaptation, Emotions, Learning, Walking, Experience, Thematic analysis, Stroke rehabilitation, Research methodology, Trust, Patient-professional relations, Stroke patients, Phenomenology, Data analysis software, Psychosocial factors, Patients' attitudes, Accidental falls, Video recording, Activities of daily living |
| Geographic Terms: |
Australia |
| Abstract: |
Purpose: To explore perspectives of stroke survivors on their transition to independent walking in hospital. Specifically, this included the lived experience of lost walking independence, the decision-making process, and perspectives on risk. Materials and methods: Qualitative design with phenomenological approach. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 stroke survivors at two inpatient stroke units. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim with reflexive thematic analysis conducted. Results: Three themes with four subthemes were developed from the data: (1) Rehabilitation is a roller coaster (subthemes: mixed emotions in rehabilitation; learning the ropes takes time); (2) I am not an expert (subthemes: trust in the physiotherapist's decision; walking alone against advice); and (3) Variable approach to risk. Loss of independent walking contributed to feelings of disempowerment; aligned most frequently with loss of independent toileting. Participants believed health professionals made walking safety decisions on their behalf and were mostly satisfied with this process. Participants varied in their awareness of personal safety strategies, with some having limited awareness of specific factors that could contribute to falls. Conclusions: Study findings highlight challenges for stroke survivors and their participation in decision-making related to independent walking in hospital. These findings have the potential to inform future practice guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Support to learn ward processes could help stroke survivors adjust to loss of walking independence in stroke rehabilitation. Clearance for walking independence by a physiotherapist is experienced as a meaningful achievement that gives patients confidence in safety. Involving stroke survivors in risk and mobility discussions could potentially improve safety awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
