The Importance of Incorporating Stroke Survivors' Health Perceptions in Addressing Health Care Disparities

Patient-centered research in determining health care disparities among stroke patients is limited. Several studies have examined patient perceptions in stroke survivors and have utilized the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) and Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire (BIPQ), which are validated measures of illness beliefs. Yet, there are several domains these surveys could assess that warrant more investigation, including: perception of medication side effects; acceptance of the stroke diagnosis; consequence and long-term impact of symptoms; the importance of medications in long-term health maintenance; and perception of ease of access to equitable health care. Though these surveys are available, representation of diverse and under-represented groups within stroke surveys utilizing them is low. Also, only a limited number of studies of stroke patients' perceptions have focused on health disparities or specifically beliefs and attitudes of under-represented stroke survivors. Due to insufficient current research, future studies should focus on using these patient perception questionnaires with underrepresented populations. Improvements in this field may allow providers to offer patient-centered care among a diverse population, bridging gaps in health care equity.