Staff Perspectives of Implementing a Community-Based Stroke Recovery Program in Regional Australia: A Qualitative...

To describe the experience of non-government organisation (NGO) staff implementing a community-based stroke recovery program based on the principles of environmental enrichment.

A qualitative descriptive study to capture staff experiences. Semi-structured interviews with staff were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

A community-based NGO service in regional New South Wales, Australia.

Eight staff members employed in a regional NGO and involved in the implementation of the program, including a program coordinator, a physiotherapist, allied health assistants, creative artists and managers.

Four themes were identified: (1) We've got a great space here-highlighted the importance of the physical environment, access and location; (2) There's an order to it-described the program's strong foundations formed through training, defined processes and support; (3) We make it work-demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of staff in responding to individual needs and overcoming challenges and (4) Enriching lives-captured the sense of community, positivity and recovery outcomes. Staff experiences aligned closely with self-determination theory, reflecting feelings of capability, confidence and connection.

Staff in a regional NGO felt well-supported and capable of delivering a community-based stroke program. This demonstrates the potential role NGO services may play in addressing gaps in stroke recovery care in regional Australia. The methods used in this study can be used to implement this and other similar community-based programs with NGO services in the future.