Families and stroke: The clinical implications of research findings.
Clinical and research attention to stroke care has focused on managing the acute stage of recovery and on evaluating the short-term effectiveness of rehabilitation programs. However, studies suggest that stroke affects the quality of life and the well-being of the entire family over much longer time frames. This article reviews the stroke literature as it relates to stroke rehabilitation and the family. Research findings strongly suggest that stroke is a family affair and that more rigorous attention to family assessment, education, advocacy, and counseling is needed along with development of new intervention methods focused on addressing specific family dimensions that have a demonstrated relationship to specific stroke problems. It is clear that health professionals shou Id thi nk farm ly, involvethefamily, and work with the family.
a Psychiatric Consultant Southern New England Rehabilitation Center Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Human Behavior Brown University Providence , Rhode Island Psychiatrist St. Luke's Hospital New Bedford , Massachusetts.
Duane S
DS
Bishop
b Veterans' Administration Medical Center Clinical Assistant Professor School of Social Work University of Washington Seattle , Washington.
Ron L
RL
Evans
caregiving; depression; disability; family function; health status; outcome; rehabilitation; review; stroke