This presentation shares creative, inclusive methods developed as part of the ADAPT study, which explored how stroke survivors can be better supported to stand and move. Moving beyond traditional research tools, we used playful, accessible techniques to engage participants with a wide range of experiences and communication needs.
A key element was the use of sweets as metaphors to represent different ‘types’ of stroke survivors, helping participants visualise and reflect on diverse recovery journeys. A stroke survivor and artist who attends our workshops created visual artworks representing these types, providing a powerful, inclusive entry point into group discussion—especially for those with aphasia.
We applied an ‘ideal type’ analysis to understand and group these experiences in meaningful ways. These methods have also been used with NHS staff to support reflection and generate practical insights for tailoring support in real-world rehabilitation settings.
To disseminate our findings more broadly and memorably, we also included an arts exhibition as part of the project, reaching out to people across the region through creative methods that make our findings more engaging and relatable.
The outcome is a set recommendations for how different types of stroke survivors can be supported to stand and move more throughout the day.
Our guest speaker: Dr Jess Johansson – Senior Research Fellow based within the Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research, University of Leeds
Speakers Short Bio
Dr Jess Johansson is a Senior Research Fellow at the Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research, University of Leeds. She has a background in Psychology and is a qualitative researcher with expertise in a range of methods and analytic approaches and has experience in developing and evaluating complex interventions using behaviour change approaches. Her PhD, awarded in 2018, focused on developing an intervention for carers of stroke survivors using an Intervention Mapping approach.
Jess has since led the process evaluation of the RECREATE trial, which informed and led to the development of the ADAPT study focused on standing and mobility after stroke. She currently leads ADAPT and is a co-applicant on studies related to osteoporosis care and digital inclusion in older adults.
She has a strong interest in finding innovative ways of implementing change in complex settings, including services for older people and NHS stroke services. She has also become increasingly passionate about using creative and participatory research methods throughout her research. She has recently become a knowledge mobilisation champion and also co-facilitates the Creative Research Network at the Bradford Institute for Health Research.
Jess enjoys supporting others, she has supported clinical staff from Leeds Hospitals as part of an internship programme, she is a mentor in the Broadening Horizons mentoring scheme and supervises students training to become clinical psychologists at the University of Leeds. Outside of academia, she is training to become a solution-focused hypnotherapist, complementing her passion for supporting others to make positive changes to their lives.
