Stroke survivor and carer perspectives of the concept of recovery: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to explore the concept of recovery from the perspectives of stroke survivors and informal carers. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the main factors that are perceived to contribute to recovery after stroke.


METHODS
Data were obtained via focus groups using semistructured questionnaires. One focus group included all participants (n = 14). This was followed by separate focus groups for stroke survivors (n = 8) and informal carers (n = 6). The data from the three focus groups were analysed using thematic analysis, whereby themes and sub-themes were identified and summarised via dual coding.


RESULTS
The main theme identified was "individual recovery expectations". The contributing sub-themes were: "essential elements of recovery", "returning home" and "the environment of rehabilitation". The predominant factors to arise from this study surround the concepts of "returning to normality" for the stroke survivor and the "tension of providing care" for informal carers.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a current description of stroke survivor and carer expectations of recovery. There are diverse and ongoing concerns that can be encountered into the chronic phase poststroke. Models of community-based care should adopt targeted interventions that concurrently consider stroke survivor and carer's individual concepts of recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
• The concept of recovery can differ for stroke survivors, carers and the health professionals that they encounter. • As it is an individual phenomenon, many factors comprise the notion of recovery. • Health professionals need to explore stroke survivor and carer's views about their concepts of recovery, as greater awareness and attention may maximise individual poststroke potential.
Rehabilitation Unit, St.Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia. GRAVEN@svhm.org.au
Christine
C
Graven
Danielle
D
Sansonetti
Natasha
N
Moloczij
Dominique
D
Cadilhac
Lynette
L
Joubert
D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*