Patients’ experiences of very early supported discharge after stroke: safety, emotional support and feelings of control in everyday life

Abstract

Objective: Early supported discharge (ESD) aims to enable the transition of care from specialised stroke units to patients’ homes. Even though ESD is well-researched, little is known about the experiences faced by persons with stroke in very early supported discharge (VESD). The aim of this study was to understand these experiences when participating in a VESD rehabilitation program. Methods: Qualitative individual and semi-structured interviews were held (at 3 months post-discharge) with stroke survivors discharged home at a very early stage and participating in a VESD programme. A thematic analysis process was applied. Results: Nine participants living in Sweden and following a mild or moderate stroke expressed their narratives through the following themes: “The importance of the VESD team intervention during the initial home rehabilitation”; “Everyday life was perceived as a struggle depending on close relatives”; “Experiencing problems with fatigue and low energy” and “Feeling angrier or more worried in everyday life” Conclusions: Home-based VESD rehabilitation was important for increasing patients’ sense of independence and control in daily life, while at the same time making them feel secure in the support from the rehabilitation team. Future research may investigate how VESD functions in other countries and healthcare systems.