Caregivers dealing with stroke pull together and feel connected.
Changes that can accompany stroke may create considerable stress for individuals caring for the affected person. This study explored the coping process for nine rural-dwelling caregivers of persons with stroke and the responses of these caregivers to a Web-based support program. The qualitative data management program QSR N 5 was used to analyze quotes from telephone interviews and computer entries. Stories of how caregivers came together and supported one another emerged from the data collected as part of a larger study that examined the experience of caring. Friedemann's framework of systemic organization guided data analysis and interpretation. Actions demonstrated by the caregivers illustrated the process of crisis resolution through family togetherness in which nurses were included. The findings of this study aided in understanding this process and gave direction for nurses working with such clients.
Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, OH, USA. lpierce@mco.edu
Linda L
LL
Pierce
Victoria
V
Steiner
Amy L
AL
Govoni
Barbara
B
Hicks
Teresa L Cervantez
TL
Thompson
Marie-Luise
ML
Friedemann
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*