Experiences of participating in a client-centred ADL intervention after stroke

Background: This qualitative study was conducted in the context of a client-centred activities ofdaily living (CADL) intervention aiming to enable agency in daily activities and participation in everydaylife after stroke. The intervention was based on the principles of client-centred occupational therapy andthen further developed based on empirical research findings.Objective: To identify what from the clients’ perspective characterises the lived experience and meaningof participating in a CADL intervention after stroke.Methods: The study included 10 persons with stroke who received the intervention and who wereable to communicate their experience of participating. Data were collected through two interviews, afterthe initiation and after the end of the intervention. The analysis was performed using an empirical phenomenologicalpsychological method.Results: The overall characteristic of the meaning of participating in the intervention was transparency,which was expressed in the participants’ experiences of being able to see and follow their own rehabilitationprocess. An awareness and understanding of their own situation enabled the participants to beactively involved in their rehabilitation.Conclusion: The intervention contributed to transparency, which appeared to enable and support the client’ssense of ownership of daily activities and rehabilitation after stroke