Innovative rehabilitation environments for persons with stroke: Promoting knowledge exchange and innovation between Dalarna University, Sweden, and University of South Australia’s Austral

This research exchange aims to promote international collaboration and knowledge sharing on how the built environment can support rehabilitation and recovery at home for individuals who have suffered a stroke, particularly within Sweden´s "Nära Vård" model.

The initiative highlights the crucial but often overlooked role that the environment plays in enhancing care and rehabilitation in home settings.

The primary goal is to establish a solid knowledge base and refine co-design methods that empower communities to independently create supportive rehabilitation environments, reducing the need for external facilitators or companies.The research exchange is led by Dr. Aaron Davis, a prominent architect and researcher at the University of South Australia.

During his stay, Dr.

Davis will not only explore how his innovative co-design methods, which have been successfully applied in the NOVELL project (Neuroscience Optimised Virtual Environments Living Lab) focused on acute care environments, can be adapted to Swedish contexts, but he will also engage international researchers in the fields of environment and co-design.

Through a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops at Dalarna University, Dr.

Davis will collaborate with Swedish and international researchers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders to share insights and develop new research collaborations and partnerships.The collaboration mainly focuses on addressing the needs of individuals with long-term conditions, such as those who have suffered a stroke and who require continuous care in their home environments.

The exchange will also explore opportunities for future research projects and funding for the effectiveness of home rehabilitation within the "Nära Vård" framework.

The initiative is supported by a comprehensive network of national and international partners, ensuring broad impact and potential for innovative advancements in healthcare and environmental design.