Experiences of participating in a client-centred ADL intervention after stroke.

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study was conducted in the context of a client-centred activities of daily living (CADL) intervention aiming to enable agency in daily activities and participation in everyday life after stroke. The intervention was based on the principles of client-centred occupational therapy and then further developed based on empirical research findings.

OBJECTIVE: To identify what from the clients' perspective characterises the lived experience and meaning of participating in a CADL intervention after stroke.

METHODS: The study included 10 persons with stroke who received the intervention and who were able to communicate their experience of participating. Data were collected through two interviews, after the initiation and after the end of the intervention. The analysis was performed using an empirical phenomenological psychological method.

RESULTS: The overall characteristic of the meaning of participating in the intervention was transparency, which was expressed in the participants' experiences of being able to see and follow their own rehabilitation process. An awareness and understanding of their own situation enabled the participants to be actively involved in their rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION: The intervention contributed to transparency, which appeared to enable and support the client's sense of ownership of daily activities and rehabilitation after stroke. Implications for rehabiliation A client-centred activities of daily living intervention seems to contribute to transparency, where persons with stroke can discover and understand their new ability and situation after stroke. A client-centred rehabilitation situation seems to enable clients to actively engage in their own rehabilitation process. Inviting clients to participate in goal-setting seems to be important in order to create the experience of transparency. Creating continuity in the therapeutic alliance seems to be important in order for the clients to feel trust and experience agency in everyday life.