How to return? experiences of patients in working age after first Ischaemic stroke: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of patient´s perspective at 12 - 24 months post-stroke.

Abstract

Background: Limited evidence of young adult patient-reported outcomes and experiences after ischaemic stroke has been conducted.

Aim: To investigate the meaning of the lived experiences of stroke patients in working age 12-24 months after their first IS.

Material and methods: The exploratory qualitative study used an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) design. Nine ischaemic stroke patients (with age ranges from 41 to 50 years) took part in semi-structured qualitative interviews.

Results: Even with mild residual neurological deficit, IS negatively impacted the quality of life daily and social life. Six subthemes and three interconnected group experiential themes were generated: (i) From confusion to understanding (ii) Triggers for rebuilding; and (iii) Challenges and benefits.

Conclusion: The study highlights the current gaps and limitations in supporting the needs of stroke patients in working age in long-term post-stroke care. The findings are crucial for healthcare professionals to develop improved age- and mild- impairment-appropriate strategies or tailor self-management interventions for stroke patients of working age.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04839887.