Return to work after stroke: Important aspects shared and contrasted by five stakeholder groups

Poor co-operation between the various stakeholders underscores the need for reviewing important factors that facilitate return to work (RTW) after stroke.

To explore and describe important aspects expressed by Swedish stakeholders in the RTW process for persons post stroke and to contrast the stakeholders' aspects exploring different perspectives that may influence optimal RTW.

Data from seven focus group interviews with the stakeholders were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Three main categories made up the findings; the prolonged RTW process, the need for extended knowledge, and the assessment of work ability in the RTW process. Despite the stakeholders' agreement on these important aspects, they presented divergent views of the categories, representing their diverse agendas.

A stroke coordinator may remediate the stakeholders' divergent perspectives. The coordinator should be versed in stroke specific knowledge and in a person centered approach to inform the decision process regarding RTW, while finding optimal solutions within regulatory boundary conditions. A coordinator could increase collaboration of the various stakeholders, provide support and coordinate services for the client with stroke and the employer throughout the whole process facilitating RTW after stroke. Future studies are needed to confirm this proposal.