Article

The purpose of this qualitative study was to enhance our understanding
of the transition experience for clients with stroke and their carers during
discharge and the first month at home. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were
conducted with five clients with stroke and their carers (n = 5) at 1 month after
discharge from stroke rehabilitation. Questioning in the interviews explored
preparation for and the experience of the transition. Inductive thematic analysis
was completed with the client and carer interviews and the resultant themes were
compared. Basic demographic data were collected to allow description of the
participants. RESULTS: Five clients and five carers were interviewed 1 month
after discharge to home. The analysis of the client interviews yielded three
themes including: rehabilitation was okay, it's a struggle, and supports and
assistance. The carer interviews also yielded three themes including: the purpose
of rehabilitation, life is different now, and looking to the future. CONCLUSIONS:
The clients and the carers all spoke of the positive aspects of rehabilitation
but raised concerns about the limited ability to undertake daily tasks regularly
and develop personalised routines in preparation for discharge. The daily
routines at home were disrupted with clients taking longer to complete daily
activities and carers juggling caring responsibilities with their own lifestyle.
Overall, the results suggest that there is a need for stroke rehabilitation
services to better prepare the clients and carers for transition to home.

Langue : ANGLAIS