Family carers of stroke survivors: needs, knowledge, satisfaction and competence in caring.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the support required by family carers for stroke survivors.


METHODS
Forty-two family carers were recruited for surveys of needs, knowledge, satisfaction, and competence in caring before and 4 - 6 weeks after discharge from an Acute Stroke Unit (ASU).


RESULTS
Information deficits about dealing with psychological, emotional, and behavioural problems and local service information were priorities before and after discharge. Younger female carers (under 56 years) were least satisfied with communication with ASU staff. Face to face contact was valued. After discharge younger female carers, particularly of non-White ethnic groups, reported lower levels of competence in caring and higher burden. Knowledge of stroke risk factors was low in all groups. High satisfaction with treatment and therapy in the ASU, was not transferred to the community. Carers reported feeling alone and described uncoordinated services.


CONCLUSIONS
Carers are able to anticipate and prioritise their needs, value communication with staff and involvement with discharge-planning, but particular difficulties were experienced by younger female carers and those from non-White ethnic groups. This requires particular attention when developing targeted interventions for family carers from a mixed ethnic community. In-depth and longitudinal studies are needed to detail psychosocial needs and guide practice particularly amongst non-White family carers.
Mackenzie
Ann
A
Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, Kingston University and St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 ORE. UK. a.mackenzie@hscs.sgul.ac.uk
Perry
Lin
L
Lockhart
Elizabeth
E
Cottee
Mark
M
Cloud
Geoffrey
G
Mann
Helen
H
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D044469:Racial Groups; D012737:Sex Factors; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom