Abstract Body: Background and Purpose
Stroke is the main cause of disability in the adult population. Only 25% of stroke survivors fully recover their prior level of functioning; 75% survive with some form of impairment, and half of them lose their capacity for self-sufficiency, which has a significantly negative impact on their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to to evaluate the impact of customized training interventions on the experience of the caregiver-stroke survivor dyad during the complex transitional care period.

Methods
A critical interpretative meta-synthesis approach was adopted. Sample selection was guided by the SPIDER framework, while identification of eligible studies was informed by the PRISMA criteria. A comprehensive search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed and CINAHL up to October 2023 to identify all studies examining lived experiences and perceptions of caregivers and stroke survivors regarding the suitability of training supports provided during the pivotal transitional care period. The methodological quality and risk of bias were critically evaluated using the authoritative Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Quality Assessment and Review Instrument.

Results
Out of the 394 articles initially found, only 10 met eligibility criteria and were included. Text analysis revealed two themes that encapsulate the lived experience of caregivers and stroke survivors as related to transitional care supports: 1) acknowledging that life will never be the same and 2) growing recognition of the so-called new normal. The first theme incorporated six significant subthemes. These included the need for information and training, uncertainty about the future, participation, realistic assessments of evolving training needs, coordinated discharge planning; as well as psychological distress. The second one consisted of three interrelated subthemes: variation in perceived roles and responsibility after a stroke, availability and perceived adequacy of post-discharge support, and adapting processes to change.

Conclusions
The meta-synthesis provided evidence that a lack of tailored and targeted training support negatively affected both members of the dyad. Unaddressed information and training increased experiences of anxiety, uncertainty, and stress during transitional care. The ability to adapt to post-stroke and achieve a satisfactory quality of life is strongly associated with the informational and training support given during the transitional care period.