Article

This study described stroke survivors' experiences of upper limb
post-stroke sensory impairment (ULPSSI) and its rehabilitation. METHODS: A
qualitative descriptive study of 15 stroke survivors with ULPSSI using
semi-structured interviews. A focus group of eight survivors reviewed thematic
outcomes. Analysis was completed by three authors. RESULTS: Three themes emerged:
(1) What happened to my hand?: A description of the significant impact of sensory
impairments on survivors roles and participation; (2) I was only just getting
started: Survivors felt sensory impairments and the upper limb were ignored in
rehabilitation and described being left on their own to devise their own
rehabilitation; and (3) If I work hard then maybe someday: Survivors felt sensory
impairments recovered slowly and was aided by working towards recovery and
maintaining hope. CONCLUSIONS: Sensory impairments are significant for survivors
and are deserving of greater clinical and research attention. In particular,
assessments and interventions need further development and testing. This study's
findings revealed the need to ascertain individual survivors' preference for
involvement in decision making related to their rehabilitation planning. It also
found survivors view recovery as extending well beyond current rehabilitation
frameworks, necessitating further description of recovery and re-evaluation of
service delivery to address survivors' needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION:
Sensory impairments significantly impact stroke survivors' roles and
participation. Remediation of sensory impairments is important to survivors, but
seems to be ignored in the rehabilitation process. Individual survivors'
preference for involvement in decision making related to their rehabilitation
planning should be ascertained. Stroke survivors feel left on their own to
address their upper limb impairments long after rehabilitation services have
ended. The development of services beyond the normal rehabilitation timeframes is
warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS