Informal carers of stroke survivors–factors influencing carers: A systematic review of quantitative studies

Abstract

Despite improvements in study design over the last two decades, atheoretical studies employing overlapping concepts and poorly defined participants still dominate. Future studies should have theoretical underpinning and should acknowledge the diversity of carers, survivors and their situations. In addition, future emphasis on positive carer outcomes may improve understanding of protective carer factors.

Factors affecting the burden on caregivers of stroke survivors in Turkey

“…It was established in some studies that as the level of dependence increases, daily life activities of the patient deteriorate and in further stages there occurs a significant increase in caregiver burden (32)(33)(34)(35)(36). Similarly, in a study conducted by Mollaoglu et al (6) significantly high scale scores were observed on the part of caregivers whose patients are dependent according to the BI and who meet all patients' needs.…”

Development and evaluation of tools and an intervention to improve patient- and carer-centred outcomes in Longer-Term Stroke care and exploration of adjustment post stroke: the LoTS care research programme

“…Analysis was therefore conducted on an existing data set, 36 with a similar population to that of the stroke system of care trial, to identify criteria to enable us to distinguish between stroke survivors in terms of their social activity level (based on Barthel Index and FAI scores). In this population the median (interquartile range) reduction in Barthel Index score and FAI score from pre stroke to 12 months post stroke was 4 (1-8) and 16 (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26) respectively. Three main categories of stroke survivors were defined: 'doing better than expected', 'failing to thrive' and 'doing as expected (doing well)'.…”

“…14 We are therefore seeking to develop a complex intervention embedded in a clearly described organisational structure for delivery. The work has been broken down into stages progressed and co-ordinated by a project group comprising the grant applicants, a patient representative from a local stroke club, Dr Robert Ashworth (GP with academic links), and the project research assistant.…”

“…[8][9][10] Many stroke survivors require assistance from informal carers, often family members, for activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and toileting. 11,12 This burden of care has an important effect on carers' physical and psychosocial well-being, 13,14 with up to 48% of carers reporting health problems, two-thirds reporting a decline in their social life and high self-reported levels of strain. 14 In recognition of the pressing need for a 'comprehensive revolution' in stroke care the National Stroke Strategy (NSS) was produced in 2007.…”

The human dimensions of post-stroke homecare: experiences of older carers from diverse ethnic groups

“…Many long-term carers of people with stroke perceive that the pressures of caring increase rather than diminish over time [16,17]. Systematic reviews of qualitative and quantitative studies of caring after stroke highlight a range of recurring issues and coping challenges [18][19][20]. These support needs are common across countries and care systems [21].…”