Oral Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Young stroke survivors’ perspectives of the community-based stroke recovery ESTEEM Program: A qualitative study (127643)

Danielle Gould 1 , Kirsti Haracz 1 2 , Dawn Simpson 1 2 , Katrina Kenah 1 3 , Christine T Shiner 4 5 , Marie-Louise Bird 6 , Liam Johnson 7 8 , Heidi Janssen 1 2
  1. College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
  2. Heart and Stroke Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
  3. Monash Health, Cheltenham, VIC, Australia
  4. Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincents Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  5. Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  6. Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Gippsland, VIC, Australia
  7. School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
  8. Melbourne School of Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Introduction:

Young stroke survivors (YSS) (18-64 years), report limited access to community-based services, contributing to high levels of reported unmet rehabilitation needs. The sustainability and effectiveness of the Exercising, Socialising and Thinking Environmental Enrichment Model (ESTEEM) Program, a community-based stroke recovery program delivered by non-government organisations, is being evaluated in a Phase III clinical trial. This study sought to gain YSS perspectives about the ESTEEM Program to support increased participation in this, or similar community-based recovery services.

 

Methods:

We interviewed a diverse sample of 11 YSS, with and without experience of the program, to explore their perspectives of the acceptability and factors that would influence their engagement with the ESTEEM Program. Transcribed interviews were analysed using reflexive analysis, with participants reviewing draft themes before they were finalised. 

 

Results:

Participants’ perspectives of the ESTEEM Program were informed by their view, captured in the central theme, that, Young people need stroke recovery programs to cater to them explicitly. While they were generally positive about the ESTEEM Program, three additional themes described how it could more explicitly cater to YSS including, Recognising that young people have strokes too, through representation in marketing materials and inclusion of age-appropriate activities, Increasing accessibility of ESTEEM through flexible structures and funding options for program and transport costs, and Prioritising peer support, particularly with other YSS.

 

Conclusion:

The ESTEEM Program was perceived by YSS as an acceptable community-based recovery program but would benefit from modifications to meet the unique needs of YSS. 

 

Relevance to Clinical Practice:

YSS perceive that community-based stroke recovery programs like the ESTEEM Program need to explicitly cater to their needs. Acceptability and engagement would be enhanced by using images of YSS in marketing, including age-appropriate activities, ensuring access is not limited by funding options and that there are opportunities to connect with other YSS.