“We could get them to become normal sooner than if they don’t receive Physical Therapy” : A qualitative interview study reflecting Thai physiotherapists thoughts and experiences regarding stroke rehabilitation

Abstract: Background: Stroke affects 15 million people worldwide each year. The rehabilitation should be equal everywhere but that is not the case. Most evidence comes from research in high income countries and those circumstances may not be applied everywhere in the world.  Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the views of important elements of rehabilitation after stroke in clinical working physiotherapist and in lecturers in physiotherapy education in Thailand. Design: This study had a qualitative exploratory research design due to collection of data through six individual semi-structured in-person interviews. The data analysis was preceded by a content analysis and had an inductive approach.  Result: The analysis terminated in eight categories and 30 subcategories that reflected what the interviewees considered important. Examples on these categories were physiotherapeutic modalities, education, cooperation and patients’ characteristics. It was of high importance the care was individualized and planned together with the patient. Education throughout the carrier were crucial to be able to give the patients the best care possible.   Conclusion: This study showed that physiotherapists in Thailand perceived many different important elements in stroke rehabilitation in Thailand. The outcome was not just depending on the treatment itself, but on several factors that surrounded the patient and the rehabilitation. These studies need to be done to be able to see the variations in treatment and the approach the health-care have on stroke rehabilitation in different countries.