The educational needs of newly diagnosed stroke patients.

There is limited research related to perceived educational needs among the newly diagnosed first-time stroke population. This descriptive correlational study was conducted to determine the perceived importance to learn about specific stroke-related topics and the degree of satisfaction with stroke education. Seventy-one newly diagnosed stroke patients from two metropolitan hospitals received a self-report Likert-type questionnaire consisting of eight domains related to different aspects of stroke education. The questionnaire was distributed 24-72 hours after admission to the hospital, upon discharge, and 2 weeks postdischarge. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance. Medical knowledge and medication treatment were rated the most important to learn. Treatment of stroke with herbal or alternative medicine and dietary habits were the least important of the eight domains. Overall, patients were not satisfied with stroke education.