The experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors engaging in a virtual choir during COVID-19: a thematic analysis

Background: Stroke is a public health concern, and the emergence of COVID-19 virus has made continuation social support/rehabilitation groups for stroke survivors difficult. Many have been required to self-isolate 12 weeks or more, according government rules regulations. This led use innovative technological platforms (eg Zoom) delivering rehabilitation activities through ‘life after stroke’ group sessions, such as choir practice survivors. Aims: The purpose this study was explore survivors' experiences perceptions engaging, choosing not engage, in virtual (VC) during pandemic. Methods: Eight participants were recruited from Association Strike Chord VC. Semi-structured interviews conducted, verbatim transcriptions analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Three main themes identified: experience singing choir; VCs me; yearning sing face-to-face, with respective subthemes. presented here are intertwined. While most perceived VC positive platform providing sense belonging (community), there face-to-face singing. Conclusions: research may offer some support those facilitating meaningful communities that struggle communication digital literacy.