Reflections upon rehabilitation by members of a community based stroke club

To collect qualitative information about personal experiences with stroke rehabilitation from members of a community based stroke club.

In this focused ethnographic study, four data collectors observed and videotaped two sessions of a community based stroke club. The videotape and written notes were reviewed and analysed according to standard qualitative research procedures.

Two themes emerged from analysis of the qualitative data: concerns that individualized needs were not addressed during the rehabilitation process and that services were insufficient to ease the transition to community living.

Rehabilitation professionals can benefit from soliciting reflections and suggestions from individuals who have returned to community living after completing post-stroke rehabilitation programmes. Specific recommendations are provided for tailoring interventions to meet individual goals, for enhancing follow up services provided after inpatient rehabilitation, and for providing early access to available resources in stroke survivors' communities.