Stroke Survivors and their Physiotherapists’ Perceptions of Recovery: A Multiple Methods Approach

Purpose: This multiple-methods study examined perceptions of recovery among stroke survivors and their physiotherapists at discharge from an in-patient rehabilitation program. Method: The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Chedoke McMaster Stroke Assessment Activity Inventory scores were collected from chart review and the following outcome measures were completed by interview: Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) global recovery, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Physiotherapists also completed the SIS global recovery for each participant. Spearman and Pearson correlations between SIS recovery and observed measures were completed. The stroke survivors had a short interview about their perception of recovery and what recovery meant to them, and their physiotherapists answered two written questions about each participant’s recovery. Responses were coded and categorized based on the International Classification of Functioning. Results: A total of 31 stroke survivors with a mean age of 66.6 years (SD 10.7) and six physiotherapists participated. Nineteen stroke survivors were interviewed. The stroke survivors’ SIS recovery scores correlated with FIM-motor change ( rs = 0.36 p = 0.04) and the SIS-recovery scores reported by the physiotherapists ( r = 0.51; p < 0.01). In relation to the factors related to recovery, the physiotherapists’ focus was therapeutic mainly considering motor recovery while the stroke survivors’ responses were broad, including being able to achieve recovery goals and nutrition. However, both perceived recovery to include functional activities. Conclusions: SIS global recovery question helps to measure the overall perceived percentage of recovery. However, the complete picture of recovery is only possible with the stroke survivors’ and physiotherapists’ perceptions of recovery and what recovery means to them.