Acceptance of disability in stroke: A qualitative metasynthesis

Abstract

Disability acceptance has been conceptualized as an internalization of oneself as a person experiencing disability and associated with better coping and motivation for rehabilitation. This is particularly pertinent to individuals experiencing stroke because many are initially not fully aware of their stroke-related impairments, which affects the acceptance process. This qualitative metasynthesis aimed to synthesize qualitative findings regarding disability acceptance in stroke and identify barriers and facilitators associated with it. Eighteen studies published from 2003 to 2022, conducted in Asia, Europe, and Australasia, were included in our review. A thematic synthesis was carried out through line-by-line coding and identification of descriptive and analytical themes. Three analytical themes emerged from the analysis: “understanding impairments,” “flexibility and active engagement,” and “disability acceptance as a non-linear process.” Healthcare professionals may facilitate this process by guiding individuals experiencing stroke to recognize that they can manage their limitations and still lead meaningful lives.