Work

Supportive Environmental Design for Post-stroke Rehabilitation: A Participatory Concept Mapping Study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PurposeTo explore home and neighborhood environment aspects that support post-stroke rehabilitation.BackgroundThe design of healthcare environments influences rehabilitation outcomes, however, evidence for outpatient contexts, particularly the home and neighborhood remain limited.MethodWe used descriptive statistics and cluster analysis to explore stakeholders' perspectives on environmental factors that support rehabilitation and to identify patterns in how environmental features were organized and rated.ResultsSeveral home and nearby environmental features were clustered around engagement in rehabilitation and participation in everyday activities. Patterns suggested that accessibility, proximity to routine services, and opportunities for social contact tended to co-occur with higher perceived support for rehabilitation.ConclusionsThe immediate environment appears to play a role in community-based recovery after stroke, with design, social context, and care processes intertwined. The findings highlight that many feasible actions such as strengthening communication, ensuring adaptive home environments, and improving neighborhood accessibility can help align housing and local planning with everyday rehabilitation after stroke. While recognizing the exploratory nature of the findings, architectural planners and healthcare practitioners could draw on these insights to inform housing planning and more inclusive environments.

Source: HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal

DOI: 10.1177/19375867261499678

Authors: Marie Elf, Ruby Lipson-Smith, Laila de Vries, Hélène Pessah-Rasmussen, Frida Smith, Maya Kylén