Young and midlife stroke survivors' experiences with the health services and long-term follow-up needs

J Neurosci Nurs. 2015 Feb;47(1):27-35. doi: 10.1097/JNN.0000000000000107.

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore young and midlife stroke survivors' experiences with the health services and to identify long-term follow-up needs. Sixteen participants from two cohorts were interviewed in-depth. The interviews were analyzed applying a hermeneutic-phenomenological analysis. The participants struggled to gain access to follow-up health services. They felt that whether they were systematically followed up was more coincidental than planned. Young and midlife stroke survivors thus appear vulnerable to falling outside the follow-up system. Those participants who received some follow-up care perceived it as untailored to their specific needs. To be considered supportive, the follow-up programs must be in line with their long-term needs, take into account their particular challenges as young and midlife stroke survivors, and be planned in close collaboration with the individual patient. To secure systematic and follow-up health services tailored to the individual, knowledgeable and committed healthcare professionals should play a prominent role within the community health services.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cohort Studies
  • Community Health Nursing
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Services Needs and Demand*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway
  • Patient Care Team
  • Patient Participation
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stroke / nursing*
  • Survivors*
  • Young Adult