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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Client’s role and participation in stroke physiotherapy encounters: an observational study

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AbstractClient participation is a basic principle in rehabilitation encounters. Coping at home after stroke requires self-confidence and autonomy, which can be enhanced by active collaboration and knowledge sharing. Earlier studies show, however, that clients are not always offered the role of an active participant in physiotherapy practice. A contradiction remains between official rhetoric and clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between the client and the physiotherapist in stroke rehabilitation sessions. Eight video-recorded treatment sessions were observed after an educational intervention that focused on client participation. Discourse analysis was used to examine the client’s involvement in the sessions. Four discourses were identified: taking on expert talk, inviting the client to participate in self-guided planning, neglecting emotional talk and supporting reflection. The client’s active participation manifested as responding to instructions, making plans...