Community Reintegration Priorities Perceived by Stroke Survivors and Healthcare Providers

oleh: Phyllis Montgomery, Sharolyn Mossey, Mary Edgan, Darren Jermyn, Sue Verrilli

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Laurentian University Library & Archives 2022-04-01

Deskripsi

Background. Over half of individuals who survive a stroke experience chronic impairment. Accessing comprehensive health services optimizes community reintegration following hospital discharge. Community-based care over vast regions with low service providers to resident ratios, however, can be challenging. Little is know about perceived priorities for quality community reintegration supports essential in northern, rural, and small urban contexts. Purpose. The aim of the study was to describe priority supports for community reintegration from the perspective of both stroke survivors’ and multidisciplinary healthcare providers’ residing in Northeast Ontario. Methods. Q methodology was used to systematically elicit the viewpoints of 91 participants through the independent sorting of decks of theoretical statement cards, each delineating one of 30 evidence-informed post-stroke community reintegration supports. A mix of quantitative and interpretative qualitative analysis were used to ascertain perceptions of discrete priority supports from the perspective of the two groups of participants. Findings. Stroke survivors identified three priority supports for community reintegration including having a skilled provider, action-orientated alliances, and a focus on wellness. Healthcare providers, including Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists, and Physiotherapists, perceived tailored resources, person-centeredness, and promotion of wellbeing, as best enabling community reintegration. Although discrete, all six identified priorities contribute to the constellation of evidence-informed community reintegration supports necessary within the regional stroke network in Northeast Ontario.    Implications. Clear, open communication about perceived priorities for community reintegration among stroke survivors and healthcare providers is critical to developing a shared understanding of individualized services following stroke. Collectively, guidance by a skilled provider, patient autonomy, and life enjoyment are essential priorities within coordinated stoke service to achieve the ultimate outcome of community reintegration.