Information for participants
Background and Urgency
Every year, around 15 million people worldwide suffer a stroke. Many people with stroke, especially older adults, face lasting difficulties with daily activities, leading to loneliness and a lower quality of life. As more stroke care shifts to the home, there is a lack of services to support recovery and social connection. Access to rehabilitation also varies widely across Europe, making it harder for many people to get the help they need. Enhancing Quality of Life Post-Stroke (EQL-Stroke) is an international research project working to improve home-based rehabilitation for older adults after a stroke. EQL-Stroke aims to explore new ways to support recovery at home focused on enhancing the rehabilitation process, health, and well-being of older adults recovering from stroke. Recovery after a stroke doesn't stop when you leave the hospital as many people struggle at home with problems that they cannot solve adequately. Our project aims to change that by finding better ways to help people manage their health, regain independence, and improve their quality of life.
People with stroke and their families
Can I participate?
If you’re 65 or older, have had a stroke between 1 and 5 years ago, and are dealing with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges as a result, we’d like to hear from you! You may be eligible to participate in our study if you’re living at home (not a care facility) currently and are receiving support with daily activities that help you maintain your independence. Such support could be provided by a family member or a medical professional such as a physiotherapist or social worker.
What does participation involve?
- One-on-one interviews about your experience
- The potential to participate in workshops to design better stroke recovery support
- You can also nominate a family member or caregiver to take part.
Why should I participate in this research?
By participating in our research, you have the opportunity to share your story and experience, whilst contributing to future care initiatives for people with stroke. The insights gained during the research will be used to help improve support and rehabilitation post-stroke. Furthermore, you’ll be contributing to an international research project.
Your privacy matters: All information provided during the interviews is confidential. We’ll explain everything clearly before you decide to take part.
Are you interested in participating, or would like to ask a question? Please contact us via eql@rug.nl or fill out our form
Care Professionals
Can I participate? Are you a healthcare professional involved in stroke care, for example a physiotherapist or social worker, we'd like to hear from you.
What does participation involve?
- One-on-one interviews about your professional experience
- The opportunity to join co-design workshops with stroke survivors and family members
- Providing feedback on research findings and recommendations
Why should I participate in this research?
By taking part, you’ll help shape more person-centered care for people with stroke, and contribute to developing practical, collaborative solutions that reflect real-world challenges. Your expertise is key to improving post-stroke care.
Your privacy matters: All information provided during the interviews is confidential. We’ll explain everything clearly before you decide to take part.
Are you interested in participating, or would like to ask a question? Please contact us via eql@rug.nl or fill out our form
