Article

Acute stroke care continues to improve but the later stroke recovery
phase remains less well understood. The aim of this study was to document
self-reported need in relation to stroke recovery and community re-integration
among community-dwelling persons up to five years post-stroke. METHODS: A national survey was carried out in Ireland. Participants were recruited through
stroke advocacy organisations and health professionals. Existing validated
questionnaires were adapted with permission. The final questionnaire assessed
respondents' perceptions of their community re-integration and on-going needs.
RESULTS: A total of 196 stroke survivors, aged 24-89 years responded. Over 75% of
respondents reported experiencing mobility, emotional, fatigue and concentration
difficulties post-stroke. Emotional problems and fatigue demonstrated the highest
levels of unmet need. Families provided much support with 52% of people needing
help with personal care post-stroke. Forty-two per cent of respondents in a
relationship felt that it was significantly affected by their stroke. In
addition, 60% of respondents reported negative financial change. Only 23% of
those <66 years had worked since their stroke, while 60% of drivers returned to
driving. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke had a personal, social and economic impact.
Emotional distress and fatigue were common and satisfaction with the help
available for these problems was poor. Implications for Rehabilitation
Professionals should recognise that family members provide high levels of support
post-stroke while dealing with changes to personal relationships. Emotional,
concentration and fatigue problems post-stroke require recognition by health
professionals. A greater focus on return-to-work as part of stroke rehabilitation
may be of value for patients of working age.

Langue : ANGLAIS