Description
Background
With an estimated 15 million new stroke cases globally each year—1.1 million in Europe—stroke represents a major public health challenge, especially among older adults. It often leads to long-term functional impairments, limitations in daily living activities, and reduced community participation, resulting in decreased quality of life and increased social isolation. EQL-stroke addresses these challenges through an innovative and inclusive approach.
Purpose and Approach
By emphasizing individuals’ capabilities, the project strives to integrate person-centred rehabilitation as a fundamental aspect of post-stroke care at home. EQL-stroke responds to unmet needs of people undergoing rehabilitation in home settings.
The project is an international collaboration between Latvia, the Netherlands, and Sweden, coordinated by Professor Marie Elf at Dalarna University, Sweden. It is funded by the Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) program, FORTE (The Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life and Welfare), NWO (The Dutch Research Council), and Latvijas Zinātnes padome (The Latvian Council of Science).
Context and Needs
The European Stroke Organization and the Stroke Alliance for Europe have noted a shift toward in-home stroke care, alongside a lack of services supporting daily activities, social connections, and interaction with the community. There are also notable disparities in access to rehabilitation services across Europe, highlighting the need for equity-driven solutions.
Objectives
EQL-stroke aims to co-develop an intervention that can be implemented and adapted across Europe in diverse socio-spatial contexts. The project uses mixed methods and participatory strategies to explore how social networks, community support, and environmental factors contribute to enhanced quality of life and well-being.
The envisioned intervention will likely include:
- Strengthening of social networks
- Promoting community engagement and support
- Designing supportive physical environments
However, the final intervention will be shaped through co-design processes involving people with stroke, their informal carers, and healthcare professionals.
Impact
EQL-stroke contributes to developing a more sustainable and resilient health and welfare system. As Europe's ageing population increases the demand for long-term care, the project helps meet growing expectations for self-management and person-centred care, aiming to improve stroke rehabilitation services' quality and equity.
Financiers
