title: Stroke survivors', caregivers', and health care professionals' perspectives on the weekend pass to facilitate transition home.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore stroke survivors', caregivers', and health care professionals' perceptions of weekend passes offered during inpatient rehabilitation and its role in facilitating the transition home.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative descriptive.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen stroke survivors, 15 caregivers, and 20 health care professionals' from a rehabilitation hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants discussed their perceptions of the purpose of the weekend pass, experiences with the weekend pass including supports needed, and weekend pass administration. Focus group and interview data were audio recorded, professionally transcribed, checked for accuracy, and analyzed using conventional content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 3 key themes: i) preparing for patients to be safe at home; ii) gaining insight through the weekend pass; and iii) the emotional context of the weekend pass. These themes varied by participant group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When offering weekend passes, stroke care systems should carefully consider patients' and caregivers' readiness, emotional state, and preparation for weekend passes. The weekend pass experience can inform in-patient therapy, provide patients and caregivers with insight into life after stroke, and help prepare patients and families for the ultimate transition home.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy , University of Toronto 160-500 University Ave., Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada. Jill.Cameron@utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Jill I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bastawrous
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marsella
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Forde
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smale
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Friedland
authors.forename: Denyse
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Naglie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*