Does the Living My Life Program stay true to the stroke survivors' lens on recovering?

The Living My Life Program was co-created with rural and remote stroke survivors by applying the Living My Life Framework as a lens on recovering. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Program stayed true to the lens when piloted and to refine the Program ahead of broader implementation.

A qualitative design integrating case study methods, narrative portraits, and features of constructivist grounded theory within an action research approach was used. Narrative portraits were crafted for five participants who piloted the individualised stroke recovery intervention and then analysed according to the categories of the Framework.

Four stroke survivors who piloted the Program contributed their experiences and reflections to craft the narratives, member-checked findings, provided feedback to refine the Program, and contributed as co-authors to disseminate findings. The fifth participant did not complete the Program; however, his contribution was acknowledged through a reflective narrative by the coach and cultural mentor.

Participants spoke about their unique experiences of the Program. Analysis confirmed the Program stayed true to the lens and illuminated further depth to the Framework. Conceptual (e.g., working out what works for me) and practical (e.g., options for measuring progress) refinements were incorporated iteratively.

The Living My Life Program stayed true to the stroke survivors' lens on recovering. This suggests the Program can be used by health professionals to support stroke survivors to live their life as it evolves, while recovering their way, in their world. Stroke survivors' expertise needs to be prioritised when implementing the Program more broadly.