RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Developing a primary care-based stroke service: a review of the qualitative literature.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 137
OP 142
VO 53
IS 487
A1 Jenni Murray
A1 Robert Ashworth
A1 Anne Forster
A1 John Young
YR 2003
UL http://bjgp.org/content/53/487/137.abstract
AB The aim of this review was to identify the most frequently encountered longer-term problems experienced by stroke patients and their informal carers. Systematically identified qualitative studies describing self-reported experiences of stroke-related long-term problems were independently reviewed and the findings analysed using a clustering technique. Twenty-three qualitative studies, which included approximately 500 patients and 180 carers, were identified by the search methods. Most of the studies were cross-sectional, United Kingdom-based, and employed semi-structured individual interviews. The review identified 203 problem areas, which were categorised into five domains: hospital experience; transfer of care; communication; services; and social and emotional consequences. The largest domain was the social and emotional consequences of stroke, representing 39% of all problem areas. These included problems relating to mood, social changes, attitudes to recovery, and changes in self-perception and relationships. Service deficiencies, encompassing both health and social care, was the second largest domain, accounting for 29% of the problem areas. The review provides a basis for a user-focused, longer-term stroke service. The need for responses that go beyond the traditional physical rehabilitation approach is evident, and research to identify broader treatment strategies is now required.