title: [Exploring the Primary Adaptation Process of First-Ever Stroke Patients].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading cause of disease-related mortality in Taiwan. Furthermore, stroke is a major cause of functional disability in adults, causing physiological, psychological, and social impacts. Little qualitative research has been conducted on the primary adaptation process of patients with first-ever stroke in Taiwan.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study explored the primary adaptation process of patients with first-ever stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study used purposive sampling to enroll 12 patients with first-ever stroke for interviews, followed by theoretical sampling. Grounded theory guided the methodology and data analysis. Data analysis was performed simultaneously in accordance with the coding process.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The primary adaptation process used by the participants involved the two main categories of "impacts of stroke" and "adaptation after stroke", with three subcategories associated, respectively, with the former (loss of physical autonomy, diminishing perceptions of self-value, and stroke-related hardships turning into social isolation) and with the latter (regaining autonomy after rehabilitation, receiving support from family without being a burden, and release from suffering/becoming more positive). The core category that emerged from the present study was: "Facing stroke, hoping for the best, transforming lives."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The above findings on the primary adaptation process of stroke patients provide an important reference for clinical nurses/healthcare professionals who have responsibilities to care for patients with first-ever stroke. In addition, healthcare professionals should offer more health education and psychological support to stroke patients based on individual patient needs.
authors.affiliation: MSN, RN, NP, Medical Department & Department of Nursing, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Hui-Ju
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Tsai
authors.affiliation: MSN, RN, Supervisor, Department of Nursing, Tungs' Taichung Metro Harbor Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Shih-Ping
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Tseng
authors.affiliation: PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taiwan, ROC. cindyla_tw@sunrise.hk.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Shou-Yu
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: MSN, RN, Supervisor, Department of Nursing, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Ying-Ying
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: 5MSN, RN, Clinical Instructor, Department of Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Yu-Huan
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Chao
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: adaptation; functional disability; grounded theory; patients with first-ever stroke; qualitative research