Bowen, Audrey

Horne, Maria

Patchick, Emma

Woodward-Nutt, Kate

Introduction: Many stroke survivors experience cognitive deficits, behavioural problems, and mood disorders yet; access and availability to psychological interventions are relatively underdeveloped. This study aimed to explore the impact of cognitive and communication difficulties experienced by stroke survivors and their informal carers post 6 months following stroke to inform and develop future interventions to address identified unmet needs.Method: An exploratory qualitative approach, underpinned by naturalistic inquiry, utilising semi-structured interviews explored 17 stroke survivors’ and 15 informal carers’ (i) perceptions of the long term impact of cognitive and communication problems on daily life, social participation and general well-being (ii) experiences of current rehabilitation services and (iii) preferences for new services and method of delivery. Data were analysed using framework approach. Results: Analysis is underway. The emerging themes are (i) diversity of experience (ii) uncertainty (iii) acceptance and accommodation (iv) the burden of caring and (v) service provision and will be presented.Conclusion: The emergent themes appear to support the known high unmet psychological needs of stroke survivors, and their informal carers. The findings move beyond this confirmatory aspect by adding detail and participants’ own experiences of unmet needs, current service provision and preferences for future service development

Developing patient-centred services for psychological support after stroke.

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The University of Manchester - Institutional Repository

The University of Manchester - Institutional Repository