What do patients and their carers want to know about stroke? A two-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To clarify what issues are important to stroke patients and their carers. To determine whether these issues change over time.


METHODS
Prospective study of consecutive patients admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of an acute stroke. Each participant had interviews at six and 24 months. In addition, a subgroup of these patients (consecutive discharges over a two-month period) were also seen at two weeks post discharge.


METHODS
Hospital-based cohort of stroke survivors. Interviewed in their own homes.


METHODS
Documentation of the questions asked.


RESULTS
At two weeks, six and 24 months, a median of three, two and three questions were asked by each patient respectively. Enquiries about basic aspects of stroke were common but diminished over time. Fear of recurrence was apparent at all three interview periods. Enquiries about the psychological sequelae of stroke became more prevalent at six and 24 months. At two years, 32% of respondents asked about concentration/memory difficulties with smaller numbers commenting on tiredness, depression and frustration. At two years, 18% of the sample were still uncertain of their chances of further recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with stroke continue to have unanswered questions even two years after their stroke. The types of questions asked changed over time.
Hanger
H C
HC
Department of Health Care of the Elderly, Princess Margaret Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Walker
G
G
Paterson
L A
LA
McBride
S
S
Sainsbury
R
R
D000208:Acute Disease; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D011446:Prospective Studies