What do stroke patients and their carers want from community services?
BACKGROUND
Previous research has focused on the longer term needs of 'new' stroke patients at fixed time intervals after the event, but neglected those of stroke patients who may have had the event many years earlier.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the long-term support needs of patients with prevalent stroke, and their carers identified from practice stroke registers.


METHODS
Patients and their carers were invited to attend focus groups at the university, a nursing home or in the community.


METHODS
Seven practices in South Birmingham. Adults (18+) with a validated record of stroke.


METHODS
Focus groups were audio-taped and data analysed using a constant comparison method.


RESULTS
Twenty-seven patients and six carers participated in the study. Three major themes emerged: emotional and psychological problems; lack of information available for patients and their families; the importance of Primary Care as the first point of contact for information or problems, even if these were non medical.


CONCLUSIONS
Better methods of providing information for long-term survivors of stroke, and for addressing their emotional and psychological needs are required. Primary care could be a key setting for helping to provide more inclusive services for both patient and carer.
Hare
R
R
Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Birmingham, Primary Care, Clinical Sciences Building, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
Rogers
H
H
Lester
H
H
McManus
Rj
R
Mant
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009735:Nursing Homes; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom