Unveiling the complexities of mild stroke: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the mild stroke experience

Abstract

Introduction Limited research has been conducted from a longitudinal and qualitative perspective on the experience of life after mild stroke. This restricts the knowledge held in this area. This study aimed to answer the question: How do people with mild stroke understand their experiences in the first 6 months after hospital discharge? Methods Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, involving five Australians with mild stroke, interviewed at 1‐, 3‐ and 6 months post‐hospital discharge. Results Two themes emerged about the transitional journeys post‐mild stroke: (i) Understanding and representation of stroke and (ii) Underlying relationship dynamics revealed. The first theme had two subthemes: (i) Society defines the stroke experience, and (ii) The past determines the present. The first of these reflected the impact that societal perceptions of ‘stroke’ had on participants’ views of their mild stroke, including feelings of being ‘lucky’ even when experiencing hidden difficulties that were viewed as liveable repercussions. The second explores how previous health conditions acted as a mediator for participants’ experiences of the mild stroke and how personal attributes assisted adaption to post‐mild stroke changes. The final theme highlights how participants’ relationships were either strengthened or weakened after the mild stroke, dependent on previous relationship dynamics. Conclusion Current societal perceptions of stroke are centred on ‘observable’ symptoms; however, more subtle symptoms common in the mild stroke population remain widely unknown by the general public impacting post‐mild stroke experiences. Previous health conditions and personal attributes have an impact on how people react to their mild stroke and help to explain the individualist nature of mild stroke outcomes. Relationship dynamics prior to mild stroke can impact on post‐mild stroke family functioning, and should be screened for, and supported by health professionals. All of these factors emphasise the need for a patient‐centred and multidisciplinary approach when determining interventions.

Enablers and barriers in hospital‐to‐home transitional care for stroke survivors and caregivers: A systematic review

“…This review revealed that stroke survivors' and caregivers' personal attributes and contextual factors played an important role in transitional care. Regardless of stroke severity, survivors' and caregivers' introspection triggered both negative and positive thoughts about stroke, their role, relationships with family and postdischarge life (Finch et al, 2020;Hodson et al, 2019). Survivors' and caregivers' prestroke family dynamics, past health conditions, willingness and readiness for caregiving shaped their ability to engage and participate in rehabilitation and discharge planning, and the development of self-management capacity (Chen et al, 2020;Hodson et al, 2019;Osborne, & Neville, 2019).…”

“…Regardless of stroke severity, survivors' and caregivers' introspection triggered both negative and positive thoughts about stroke, their role, relationships with family and postdischarge life (Finch et al, 2020;Hodson et al, 2019). Survivors' and caregivers' prestroke family dynamics, past health conditions, willingness and readiness for caregiving shaped their ability to engage and participate in rehabilitation and discharge planning, and the development of self-management capacity (Chen et al, 2020;Hodson et al, 2019;Osborne, & Neville, 2019). Moreover, it is estimated that 40% of stroke survivors experienced cognitive impairment that had a significant impact on their self-management capability, and this is associated with a higher level of caregiver burden (Sexton et al, 2019;Wu et al, 2019).…”

Trajectories of intrusive and deliberate rumination in young and middle‐aged stroke survivors: A growth mixture modeling approach

“…This approach has been widely used to explore the psychological and physical development of stroke survivors (Garcia‐Rudolph et al, 2022; Huang et al, 2021). Moreover, a longitudinal qualitative study found that 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post‐discharge were key time points in the rehabilitation experience of stroke survivors (Hodson et al, 2019). Therefore, it is essential to explore the development of rumination during the rehabilitation process in young and middle‐aged stroke survivors using GMM at 1‐week pre‐discharge (T0), 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) post‐discharge.…”

The effects of racism and resilience on Black stroke- survivor quality of life: Study protocol and rationale for a mixed-methods approach

“…These gaps can result in unmet psychosocial needs, which can impact quality of life and adherence to stroke risk-factor management strategies ( 11 ). Unmet psychosocial needs are particularly relevant for those with milder stroke, characterized by SS with limited impairments who may be discharged from the hospital ≤ 4 days post-stroke, and may receive minimal services post discharge ( 12 , 13 ). Recent medical advances in stroke care (e.g., mobile stroke units, thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy), which have been associated with reductions in stroke severity, will likely increase the prevalence of milder stroke ( 10 , 14 ).…”