Background: The type of rehabilitation therapy available for stroke survivors, and when they receive it is crucial to optimize recovery. This study investigated the problems surrounding upper limb rehabilitation, relevant neuroscience research and potential avenues for enhancing recovery. Therapies employing visual art have been shown to improve psychological outcomes, yet no studies have identified a correlation between art engagement and sensory-motor recovery.

Methods: Practical experience with patients was gained over a 16-month period through volunteer placement at a hospital complex care unit. Structured interviews were conducted with experts in the field of rehabilitation science. Their insights into potential benefits of art for stroke therapy were recorded and analyzed. Innovative design tools were used to understand key stakeholder’s needs and perspectives. Literature reviews on stroke care is presented in the introduction and art therapy practices plus relevant neuroscience research was reviewed in separate chapters.

Results: A brief analysis of publicly funded stroke programs revealed services were viewed as uneven regionally, inequitable and lacking in resources and patients are dissatisfaction with quality of care. Empirical evidence from fieldwork revealed art activities for stroke were typically unstructured and facilitated by placement students, volunteers and family members. Experts interviewed expressed a common theme: art therapies, that may benefit sensory-motor outcomes beyond psychotherapy, warrant testing and measuring. An analysis of Art Therapy research uncovered its benefits and shortcomings. Current neuroscience that supports the need to design more effective therapies was discussed. Results from research tools showed the benefits of collaborative design solutions.

Conclusion: The paper included a proposal for an art program and recommended that it be implemented in a hospital facility. The prototype is patient-centered, comprising an art focus program for survivors, family members and volunteers and an art intervention: an 8-week, clinical trial (including functional assessment) to be co-designed and implemented by a collaborative health care team. Finally, the knowledge gained from this research is a starting point for further investigation into patient centered, value-based art programs for stroke recovery.

Keywords: stroke, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, upper limb, quality of care, visual art