Abstract
<p>Objective. This qualitative study aimed to describe the return to work (RTW) experience of adults aged 18 to 64 who had experienced a mild stroke in Québec. More specifically, inspired by the Adaptiveness-Purposefulness-Cooperativeness model, the study sought to identify the factors related to the person, the workplace, and healthcare services which may constitute barriers or facilitators to RTW in this population.Methods. This study used a qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with thirteen adults (10 women; ages 36 to 61; 13 to 24 months post-stroke). Results. A content analysis revealed that person-related factors included the presence and intensity of post-stroke symptoms, self-awareness and readiness to RTW, coping strategies, motivation, financial and social resources, and personal characteristics. Workplace factors included formal and informal accommodations, interpersonal aspects and employment conditions. Factors related to health services included adapted medical accommodations and medical follow-up, access to supportive care services (functional and psychological support), as well as recognition of patient’s condition and needs. Conclusions. The study confirms certain factors proposed in the existing literature, highlighting those specific to a population that often present fewer post-stroke impairments and rarely receives rehabilitation services. All these factors must be considered to provide more appropriate healthcare services, to guide workplaces in the type of support they can offer, and to assist individual in their recovery and RTW following a mild stroke.</p>