Stroke Patients' Free-Time Activities and Spatial Preferences During Inpatient Recovery in Rehabilitation Centers

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Environmental Psychology
• Stroke Recovery

Background:

• Stroke patients exhibit low activity levels during inpatient rehabilitation.
• Limited understanding exists regarding stroke patients' free-time behaviors and the influence of the built environment on these activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify spaces stroke patients utilize during free time in rehabilitation centers.
• To understand the activities stroke patients engage in during their recovery.
• To determine patients' desired spatial features and environments for improved recovery.

Main Methods:

• Patient shadowing (n=70, 840 hours) to record free-time activities and locations.
• Spatial preference surveys (n=60) administered in seven rehabilitation centers.
• Systematic recording of activities, durations, and locations using floor plans and time logs over a typical 12-hour day.

Main Results:

• Patients predominantly spent free time in their rooms, despite a desire for socialization.
• Corridors were identified as overlooked hubs for potential patient activity.
• Food/beverage stations acted as activity triggers; common room ambiance, comfort, and views were significant factors.

Conclusions:

• Corridors present significant potential for motivating diverse patient activities and supporting recovery.
• The built environment can play a crucial role in facilitating and enhancing stroke patients' free-time activities.
• Optimizing rehabilitation spaces may improve patient engagement and contribute to better recovery outcomes.