How Community-Based Teams Use the Stroke Recovery in Motion Implementation Planner: Longitudinal Qualitative Field...

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Community Health Programs

Background:

• The Stroke Recovery in Motion Implementation Planner is designed to guide teams in planning community-based exercise programs for stroke survivors.
• It aligns with established implementation science frameworks to support program development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To field test the Implementation Planner with end-users in real-world settings.
• To evaluate the impact of the Planner on users' knowledge, attitudes, and activities related to implementation planning.
• To identify factors that influence the adoption and use of the Planner.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal qualitative design was employed for the field test.
• Teams across Canada intending to implement stroke exercise programs were recruited.
• Data were collected through semistructured interviews at enrollment, periodic monitoring calls, and end-of-study interviews, analyzed using conventional content analysis.

Main Results:

• Twelve participants from five planning teams were enrolled, with study durations ranging from 4 to 14 months.
• Teams utilized the Planner in diverse, nonlinear ways, adapting the process to their specific contexts.
• Planner use demonstrably enhanced participants' implementation-planning knowledge, shifted attitudes towards valuing community engagement, and prompted specific planning activities like stakeholder meetings.

Conclusions:

• The Stroke Recovery in Motion Implementation Planner is a flexible tool suitable for various settings aiming to plan community-based exercise programs for stroke survivors.
• Findings offer insights for developers of resources aimed at building capacity for program implementation in community settings.
• Further research is recommended to track the Planner's use and its influence on program implementation and long-term sustainability.