Rosie L Shannon1, Anne Forster1, Rebecca J Hawkins1. 1. a Academic Unit of Elderly Care and Rehabilitation, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Leeds , Bradford , UK.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Stroke survivors consistently report longer-term problems after stroke, suggesting their needs are not being met. We developed a questionnaire to identify stroke-survivor unmet needs. Preliminary questionnaire testing showed that despite residual impairment, nearly one third of respondents reported no/low unmet need. This qualitative study aims to gain insight into why stroke survivors report low/no unmet needs. METHOD: People who self-reported zero or one unmet need were purposively sampled and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Identification and management of current problems were discussed and thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Participants did not report having unmet need. Despite this, all participants identified current issues or problems. Living with problems while reporting no/low unmet need is explained through: acceptance of changed circumstances; making comparisons with other people and circumstances; valuing pride, determination or independence; and viewing issues in the context of their expectations and experiences of services. Additionally, all participants were receiving some support. CONCLUSIONS: Self-identification of unmet needs is complex. Further investigation could explore the factors which enable stroke survivors to appropriately identify and experience no unmet needs, and whether these could be applied to reduce unmet needs of others. Implications for Rehabilitation Despite self-reporting no/low unmet need, survivors of stroke may still be experiencing difficulties in their daily lives. Stroke-survivor-identified low unmet need is influenced by complex factors including: acceptance; expectations of services; and comparisons with other people, which Health and Social Care professionals have a role in understanding. Health professionals could assess unmet need by using tools as a guide, supported by individual conversation. Factors which enable some stroke survivors to appropriately identify and experience no/low unmet need could be further explored, and considered as strategies to reduce unmet needs of others.
PURPOSE: Stroke survivors consistently report longer-term problems after stroke, suggesting their needs are not being met. We developed a questionnaire to identify stroke-survivor unmet needs. Preliminary questionnaire testing showed that despite residual impairment, nearly one third of respondents reported no/low unmet need. This qualitative study aims to gain insight into why stroke survivors report low/no unmet needs. METHOD: People who self-reported zero or one unmet need were purposively sampled and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 participants. Identification and management of current problems were discussed and thematic analysis was undertaken. RESULTS: Participants did not report having unmet need. Despite this, all participants identified current issues or problems. Living with problems while reporting no/low unmet need is explained through: acceptance of changed circumstances; making comparisons with other people and circumstances; valuing pride, determination or independence; and viewing issues in the context of their expectations and experiences of services. Additionally, all participants were receiving some support. CONCLUSIONS: Self-identification of unmet needs is complex. Further investigation could explore the factors which enable stroke survivors to appropriately identify and experience no unmet needs, and whether these could be applied to reduce unmet needs of others. Implications for Rehabilitation Despite self-reporting no/low unmet need, survivors of stroke may still be experiencing difficulties in their daily lives. Stroke-survivor-identified low unmet need is influenced by complex factors including: acceptance; expectations of services; and comparisons with other people, which Health and Social Care professionals have a role in understanding. Health professionals could assess unmet need by using tools as a guide, supported by individual conversation. Factors which enable some stroke survivors to appropriately identify and experience no/low unmet need could be further explored, and considered as strategies to reduce unmet needs of others.
Entities:
Keywords:
Health services needs and demand; long-term care; needs assessment; qualitative research; rehabilitation; stroke
Authors: Lisa Shaw; Nawaraj Bhattarai; Robin Cant; Avril Drummond; Gary A Ford; Anne Forster; Richard Francis; Katie Hills; Denise Howel; Anne Marie Laverty; Christopher McKevitt; Peter McMeekin; Christopher Price; Elaine Stamp; Eleanor Stevens; Luke Vale; Helen Rodgers Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-05 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: Helen Rodgers; Helen Bosomworth; Hermano I Krebs; Frederike van Wijck; Denise Howel; Nina Wilson; Tracy Finch; Natasha Alvarado; Laura Ternent; Cristina Fernandez-Garcia; Lydia Aird; Sreeman Andole; David L Cohen; Jesse Dawson; Gary A Ford; Richard Francis; Steven Hogg; Niall Hughes; Christopher I Price; Duncan L Turner; Luke Vale; Scott Wilkes; Lisa Shaw Journal: Health Technol Assess Date: 2020-10 Impact factor: 4.014
Authors: Helen Rodgers; Denise Howel; Nawaraj Bhattarai; Robin Cant; Avril Drummond; Gary A Ford; Anne Forster; Richard Francis; Katie Hills; Anne-Marie Laverty; Christopher McKevitt; Peter McMeekin; Christopher I M Price; Elaine Stamp; Eleanor Stevens; Luke Vale; Lisa Shaw Journal: Stroke Date: 2019-10-22 Impact factor: 7.914