Barriers and facilitators for stroke patients' adherence to rehabilitation in China: a qualitative study based on medical experts

Abstract

Stroke is a neurological condition characterized by prolonged rehabilitation, requiring long-term patient cooperation for effective recovery. Rehabilitation adherence plays an important role in the prognosis. This study aimed to identify the patient-, doctor-, hospital-, and society-level factors influencing rehabilitation adherence. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 experts in rehabilitation medicine, cardiovascular medicine, and neurology from six representative cities in China (Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Wuhan, Harbin, and Chengdu) to explore the factors affecting rehabilitation adherence. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach for data analysis. NVivo 14 was used to manage and analyze the textual data. All methods were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations, specifically the Guidelines for the "Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases (2024 Edition)" and the "2024 China Stroke Prevention and Treatment Guidelines" issued by the General Office of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China. Regarding in-hospital rehabilitation, medical experts believed that the characteristics of patients who had a stroke directly affected their rehabilitation adherence, including rehabilitation expectations, self-efficacy, economic pressure, family support, and trust in doctors. Additionally, medical experts also believed that various factors at the doctor, hospital, and societal levels influence patient characteristics, such as doctors' professional skills, collaboration between departments, and social cognition, ultimately affecting rehabilitation adherence. For out-of-hospital rehabilitation, medical experts believed that the key determinants of adherence include accessibility to tele-rehabilitation, tele-medical resources, and active participation of hospital outpatient clinics. Most medical experts believed that it is crucial to focus not only on direct factors, such as rehabilitation expectations and self-efficacy, which influence patients' subjective intentions, but also on identifying the pathways through which doctors, hospitals, and societal factors impact patient behavior. Attention should be given to in- and out-of-hospital rehabilitation.

Fig. 1

Factors influencing inpatient rehabilitation adherence in stroke patients.

Fig. 2

Factors influencing rehabilitation adherence of stroke patients in out-of-hospital settings.