Do the understanding, knowledge and fears of the caregivers of first time stroke survivors accurately reflect the difficulties faced after discharge from hospital?

Griffiths, Adele, Busse, Monica ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5331-5909 and Sarin, Beverly 2012. Do the understanding, knowledge and fears of the caregivers of first time stroke survivors accurately reflect the difficulties faced after discharge from hospital? Presented at: Welsh Stroke Conference 2012, Newport, Wales, 22nd June 2012.

Preview

Text Download (233kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background: Stroke survivors are often supported by informal caregivers after discharge from hospital. Caregivers may be unprepared for new roles which require assimilation of a variety of skills and information. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the understanding, knowledge and fears of informal care givers of stroke survivors during the hospital discharge period. Method: Using a Phenomenological study design, 2 Semi structured interviews were conducted with each of 4 caregivers of first time stroke survivors to identify experiences of care giving 2 weeks pre and 3 months post discharge. Thematic analysis was undertaken. South Wales LREC gave ethical approval. Results:Caregivers demonstrated a clear understanding that stroke would lead to significant changes in lifestyle. They all felt that they had lacked knowledge about stroke and how to care for a person with stroke. There was disparity in expectations of the impact of depression and personality changes in all respondents. All reported a lack of effective, personalised communication and coordinated planned team work in both hospital and community services. Three caregivers also found supporting exercise routines a greater burden both physically and emotionally than expected. Conclusion: The experiences, challenges and concerns of the informal caregivers of stroke survivors vary but there are some common themes which could shape the support offered to this group of people during the discharge period. There is work that could be done to improve communication, making it more specific to individuals. The burden of supporting home exercise is an area for future research.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Poster)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Last Modified:	20 Oct 2022 09:18
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/31342

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item