Article
The use of service user and expert perspectives to identify priority needs for people after transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke
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Authors
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Eirini Kontou
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Marion Walker
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Shirley Thomas
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Nicola Sprigg
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Caroline Watkins
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
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Laura Condon
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Jade Kettlewell
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Germany
| Published: | April 16, 2019 |
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Outline
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Background: There is currently a scarcity of research addressing the long-term impact of TIA and minor stroke, despite evidence that people experience physical, emotional and social difficulties that affect their quality of life [1], [2]. Currently management of TIA focusses mainly on secondary stroke prevention.
Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was to identify priority needs for people after TIA and minor stroke through qualitative exploration of the perspectives of service users and experts.
Method: Ethical approval has been received. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with service users and experts, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically by two researchers. Sample size was determined by data saturation in themes.
Results/findings: A total 24 participants took part in either an individual interview or a focus group; 16 were service users with a diagnosis of a TIA or minor stroke and 8 were expert clinicians or researchers. Key themes identified were information about symptoms and diagnosis, understanding the impact on everyday life and ways to access further advice and support, with both service users and experts suggesting that it is important to provide further education and support at an early stage after the diagnosis.
Discussion and conclusions: Combined views of both service users and experts highlighted the need to develop and evaluate interventions providing information and support for people with TIA and minor stroke. These findings would provide valuable insight for the development of a group psychoeducational programme following a TIA/minor stroke and could be used to inform future research.
