Patients' experiences of a Communication Enhanced Environment model on an acute/slow stream rehabilitation and a rehabilitation ward following stroke: a qualitative description approach.

Background Patients in hospital following stroke express a desire to continue therapy tasks outside of treatment activities. However, they commonly describe experiences of boredom and inactivity. An enriched environment aims to provide opportunities for physical, cognitive and social activity and informed the development of a Communication Enhanced Environment (CEE) model to promote patient engagement in language activities. Purpose Explore patient perceptions of a CEE model, and barriers and facilitators to engagement in the model. Methods A qualitative description study from a larger project that implemented a CEE model into acute and rehabilitation private hospital wards in Western Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven patients, including four with aphasia, within 22 days post-stroke who had access to the CEE model. Results Patients described variable experiences accessing different elements of the CEE model which were influenced by individual patient factors, staff factors, hospital features as well as staff time pressures. Those who were able to access elements of the CEE model described positive opportunities for engagement in language activities. Conclusions While findings are encouraging, further exploration of the feasibility of a CEE model in this complex setting is indicated to inform the development of this intervention.Implications for rehabilitationPatient access to a CEE model is challenging in a hospital setting.Patients who were able to access elements of the CEE model described positive opportunities for engagement in language activities.Patients' access to the CEE model was influenced by patient factors, staff factors, hospital features as well as staff time pressures.