Implementation considerations of aquatic therapy post-stroke: A qualitative study from Ontario, Canada

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Hydrotherapy Research
• Stroke Recovery Science

Background:

• Aquatic therapy offers a promising alternative to land-based rehabilitation for enhancing mobility and independence in stroke survivors.
• Despite established effectiveness, critical implementation factors for aquatic therapy post-stroke remain underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential implementation factors for aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation.
• To explore patient and healthcare provider perspectives on aquatic therapy post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who have experienced a stroke and healthcare providers.
• A deductive content analysis approach, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), was employed.

Main Results:

• Twenty-three participants (9 stroke survivors, 14 healthcare providers) from Ontario, Canada, contributed data.
• Analysis revealed that while participants favored aquatic therapy, significant implementation considerations exist regarding cost, program structure, provider qualifications, and pool accessibility at multiple levels.
• Key CFIR constructs and sub-constructs were identified as relevant to aquatic therapy implementation.

Conclusions:

• The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) effectively highlighted contextual factors crucial for implementing aquatic therapy for stroke patients.
• Identified factors include the necessity of education, barriers to accessing aquatic therapy in various settings, and internal/external influences on its application post-stroke.