Patient, carer and staff experience of a hospital-based stroke service

Abstract

Some of the patients' and carers' perspectives have not been previously reported in the stroke literature, including a desire for individualized treatment, the consideration of wider, non-physical needs and the carers' sense of burden. In addition, the study revealed how staff, carers and patients viewed each other and the service and demonstrated the concordance of their perceptions. However, staff showed little insight into the users' need for information and negative experiences of care. In contrast with previous research, lack of emotional care, poor continuity of care and lack of staff knowledge and skills were not identified as problems.

Exploring Health Care Providers’ Perceptions of the Needs of Stroke Carers: Informing Development of an Optimal Health Program

“…Such themes have been observed in the stroke carer literature, including the role of information in improving carers' knowledge of stroke and their satisfaction with treatment. 6,7 Our fi ndings were particularly consistent with those of Cameron et al, 7 who found that health care providers struggled with decisions about how and when to deliver stroke-related information to carers. Similarly, our participants identifi ed challenges with information provision, most notably related to the timing and amount of information provided.…”

“…These fi ndings are congruent with research acknowledging the roles of different disciplines in supporting carers' changing needs. 7 Similar to fi ndings by Morris, Payne, and Lambert, 6 participants in this study highlighted concerns around availability of care on the wards and the impact this might have on the ability to provide supports to carers and patients. Participants emphasized discharge home as a crucial stage for supporting carers.…”

“…The findings, consistent with results of previous research, highlight the multifaceted nature of stroke health care providers' experiences. [6][7][8] Three key themes were identifi ed: transition, information, and impact of stroke. These are discussed along with implications for practice and integration of the OHP into existing stroke services.…”

“…Health care providers are perceived as a source of support and information not only for people with stroke, but also for their carers, 5 but there is limited research in which providers are included as study participants and questioned about their perceptions of stroke carers' roles and needs. [6][7][8] Clarifying their views could inform programs designed to address gaps in stroke services specifi c to carer support. regarding general practice teams and support measures for carers.…”

Information needs after stroke: What to include and how to structure it on a website. A qualitative study using focus groups and card sorting

“…There was confusion about the roles of agencies and services and a lack of knowledge about voluntary support groups. Another study using focus groups about information needs after stroke found that lack of individual information about stroke and about discharge led to anxiety and problems with adjustment post-discharge (Morris, Payne and Lambert, 2007).…”