Supportive care needs of caregivers of individuals following stroke: a synopsis of research.

Approximately 75% of stroke survivors are discharged from hospital to the community with varying degrees of residual neurological deficits (Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario, 2003). As a part of a masters' thesis, a systematic review was conducted to synthesize the research related to the identification of family needs during the acute phase of stroke in order to facilitate successful transition into the role of caregiver. Relevant articles were identified using: CINAHL, MEDLINE, All EBM Reviews, Psych Info, Embase, and AARP Ageline (1978 to December 2007). A Supportive Care Needs Framework (SCNF) (Fitch, 1994; 2008) was used to collect and analyze data. The utility of this framework was evaluated in capturing the spectrum of needs of the family caregivers of patients with stroke. Ten qualitative studies and seven quantitative studies were identified and analyzed by the author. The studies were equivocal in their reports of needs not being identified and addressed during hospitalization. The SCNF provided a comprehensive means of organizing the broad spectrum of needs of this population reported in the literature. No new domains were uncovered in the review.