Co-design of a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors

Introduction/ aims

Incorporating the perspectives of knowledge-users such as stroke survivors into intervention development processes can enhance their relevance and feasibility. The aims of this study were: i) to use co-design to determine “active ingredients” and develop a personalised physical activity intervention for stroke survivors, and ii) to evaluate the co-design process.

Methods

A four-stage integrated knowledge translation approach (involving planning and workshops) was applied to co-design a post-stroke physical activity intervention. Knowledge-user participants (stroke survivors (n = 10), carers (n = 3) and clinicians (n = 12)) were recruited.

Knowledge-user participants (n = 25) and the research team (n = 13) were invited to participate in a survey evaluation of the co-design process. Quantitative survey responses were analysed descriptively. Open-ended responses were grouped and summarised as key findings.

Results

Knowledge-users highlighted that flexibility in intervention delivery, consideration of personal preferences, aphasia-friendly resources and ongoing support were important intervention active ingredients. The developed physical activity intervention included a shared decision-making process, programme set-up, ongoing support and resources.

High levels of trust, transparency and shared learning in the co-design process were reported by 81% of knowledge-users on project completion. Survey key findings included: 1) Co-design and the lived experience are highly valued by all involved. 2) Output that improves stroke care is important. 3) The co-design workshops provided a respectful atmosphere with opportunity for open discussion. 4) Participation in co-design can be personally beneficial.

Conclusions

Using co-design, active ingredients were identified, and a comprehensive post-stroke physical activity intervention was developed. The co-design process was highly regarded by all and added valuable insights.

Contribution of the Paper

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  Co-design is an important component of intervention development in stroke rehabilitation.
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  Stroke survivors and clinicians highlight that flexibility, personalisation, having options, and ongoing support were important active ingredients of this post-stroke physical activity programme.
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  Co-design processes that demonstrate trust, respect, transparency and shared-learning are highly valued and beneficial to knowledge-users and researchers.