# Experiences of F@ce 2.0: a person-centred intervention for home-based rehabilitation after stroke supported by digital technology — a qualitative study

## TL;DR

This study explores how stroke survivors in Sweden experienced a home-based rehabilitation program called F@ce 2.0, which uses SMS messages to support goal-setting and daily activities.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into how digital tools like SMS can support person-centred stroke rehabilitation and the importance of personal relationships in this process.

## Key findings

- SMS messages were perceived as a helpful tool for supporting rehabilitation goals.
- Personal meetings were seen as essential for building trust and setting relevant goals.
- Collaboration with a rehabilitation team was crucial for resuming daily activities after stroke.

## Abstract

Digital interventions may be a way of increasing access to rehabilitation after stroke, but there is limited knowledge on how they are perceived by stroke survivors. F@ce 2.0 is a home-based person-centred intervention for stroke rehabilitation that focuses on daily activities and participation in everyday life. The intervention spans over 8 weeks and uses Short-Message-Services (SMSs) to support goal achievement.

The aim of this study was to explore and describe experiences of rehabilitation with F@ce 2.0 from the perspective of people with stroke.

Qualitative inquiry was based on individual interviews at two time points, post-intervention and 6 months post-inclusion. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Home-based stroke rehabilitation in Sweden.

Twelve stroke survivors with mild to moderate stroke.

Three themes and seven sub-themes were constructed. The main themes were ‘Setting personally relevant goals requires a trusting relationship’,‘ SMSs as a tool for person-centred rehabilitation’ and ‘Collaboration with the team is essential for resuming daily activities after stroke’.

Supporting goal achievement through SMS messages may increase motivation and awareness in stroke rehabilitation. The results, however, illustrate the importance of personal meetings in rehabilitation, both for setting relevant goals and for identifying goal achievement strategies.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04351178; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04351178.