A qualitative study exploring how stroke survivors' expectations and understanding of stroke Early Supported Discharge shaped their experience and engagement with the service

Cameron, T. M., Koller, K., Byrne, A., Chouliara, N., Robinson, T., Langhorne, P. , Walker, M. and Fisher, R. J. (2023) A qualitative study exploring how stroke survivors' expectations and understanding of stroke Early Supported Discharge shaped their experience and engagement with the service. Disability and Rehabilitation, 45(16), pp. 2604-2611. (doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2102251) (PMID:35895746)

Abstract

Purpose: To explore how stroke survivors’ expectations and understanding of Early Supported Discharge (ESD) helped them make sense of their experiences, and shaped their engagement with the service. Methods: Data were collected as part of a study of large-scale implementation of stroke ESD: the WISE realist mixed-methods study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five purposefully selected stroke survivors from six sites in England implementing stroke ESD (n = 30). Participants were aged 32–88 years (20 males). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Three overarching themes were identified: (1) ESD as a post-stroke recovery tool, (2) desire to recover quickly, (3) psychosocial impact and support. Stroke survivors were uncertain about what to expect when they first entered the service, however, their experience of ESD exceeded their expectations and increased their engagement with the service. Stroke survivors especially valued the goal-oriented approach the team adopted. Rehabilitation at home was perceived as positive and practical, encouraging independence within real-life contexts. Psycho-social support played an important role in the stroke survivors’ rehabilitation. Conclusions: Ensuring stroke survivors are fully informed about ESD and what to expect, optimises engagement with the services, improves experience and could enhance outcomes.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Health Services and Delivery Research (HS&DR) Programme [16/01/17]. Rebecca Fisher is funded by the Stroke Association [TSA LECT 2016/01 Stroke Association HRH the Princess Margaret Senior Lecturer Award]. Thompson Robinson is an NIHR Senior Investigator.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Langhorne, Professor Peter
• Authors: Cameron, T. M., Koller, K., Byrne, A., Chouliara, N., Robinson, T., Langhorne, P., Walker, M., and Fisher, R. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0963-8288
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5165
• Published Online: 27 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Disability and Rehabilitation 45(16):2604-2611
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License