Patients’ experiences of involvement, motivation and coping with physiotherapists during subacute stroke rehabilitation – a qualitative study

Abstract Purpose Physiotherapy is an important, integral part of rehabilitation after stroke. The study aim was to explore and describe patients’ experiences of involvement, motivation, and coping in interaction with physiotherapists during subacute stroke rehabilitation. Methods The data derive from qualitative semi-structured interviews of six patients following subacute stroke rehabilitation. The interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results Two categories were identified: (1) ‘The physiotherapist’s contribution’, including the themes of motivation through goal attainment, transferring knowledge, and building self-efficacy through a good relationship; (2) ‘The patient’s internal process’, including the themes of attitude and determination, comparison, the importance of feeling well and fending off passivity. Conclusion This study shows that increased knowledge and a good relationship with the physiotherapist were important for the participants’ involvement, motivation, and coping. Experiencing ownership of the rehabilitation process made the patients accountable, affected their activity level positively, and helped them cope with their challenges.