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About half of those that have had stroke in working age return to work (RTW). Few rehabilitation programmes exist focussing RTW after stroke. To produce a clear replicable description of the ReWork-Stroke rehabilitation programme targeting RTW for people of working age who have had stroke. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication 12 item checklist was used to describe the ReWork-Stroke programme developed 2013–2014. This paper presents the development, rationale and processes in the programme to enable replication and provide evidence for implementation. Occupational therapists (OTs) skilled in stroke rehabilitation contribute knowledge about consequences of stroke and coordinate stakeholders involved. The ReWork-Stroke is person-centred, includes individual plans and generic components, consists of a preparation and a work trial phase. During the preparation phase, resources and hindrances for RTW are mapped and a plan for work trial is elaborated. During the work trial phase, the intervention is located at the workplace. The OT conducts recurrent follow-ups and collaborates with employers/co-workers. A person-centred programme has advantages in its flexibility to meet different needs between people and by this thorough description of ReWork-Stroke, others can replicate the programme and its fidelity and evidence can be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The process of return to work is complex. Knowledge is scarce regarding the experiences from co-workers and employers about this process. Aim: To explore and describe how co-workers and managers experience the return to work process involving a colleague with stroke who is participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on return to work including a work trial. Material and methods: Seven co-workers and four managers were interviewed during the work trial of a colleague with stroke. Results: Being a co-worker or manager was related to various challenging experiences; the emotional challenge of being a supportive co-worker or manager, the challenging experience of having too much responsibility, and the challenge of being supportive despite a lack of knowledge. Conclusions: The participants placed value on having support from the coordinator for handling different challenges, but despite this they experienced difficulties in being a valuable support. The limited time of work trial and occasional lack of support from the employer were aggravating aspects. Significance: This study highlights the importance of establishing a commitment between the employer and all involved actors in the initial phase in order to create the best possibilities for a fruitful return to work process, including work trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In Sweden, less than 50% of those getting stroke in working age return to work (RTW). Effective rehabilitation programmes need to be developed and therapeutic aspects understood. Aim:To explore and describe how persons with stroke experience their RTW process while participating in a person-centred rehabilitation programme focusing on RTW. Materials and methods:Seven persons with mild or moderate stroke were interviewed twice during the intervention in the vocational training phase using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using grounded theory. Results:Having a coordinator by their side gave support and guidance during the RTW process. Knowledge of stroke, strategies and a straightforward communication created a structure for the RTW process. Expressing one’s own wishes increased opportunities to influence and decide which path to follow in order to reach the goal. Conclusion:Straightforward, open and recurring communication facilitated the possibility to adapt to the situation. These aspects increased insight and awareness which facilitated the RTW process. Significance:The findings indicate that a precondition for a fruitful RTW process was that suitable platforms at work were created in which the actors involved could cooperate. This knowledge might also be valuable in the RTW process for people with other diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]