Post-Stroke Experiences and Rehabilitation Needs of Community-Dwelling Chinese Stroke Survivors: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Stroke survivors encounter significant limitations in daily life activities and face increased risk of health complications such as stroke recurrence. Considering the escalating demand for personalised community rehabilitation services, this qualitative study was conducted to understand the current recovery experiences, needs, and expectations of community-dwelling stroke survivors. Fifty stroke survivors were recruited from two tertiary teaching hospitals and community centres in two provinces in mainland China. Semi-structured interviews were carried out, and participants were asked to describe their experiences of stroke, current lifestyles, exercise habits, and rehabilitation needs and expectations. Resulting data were thematically analysed. The majority of participants were first-time stroke survivors (80%) and lived with their family or caregivers (92%). Four main themes and twelve sub-themes emerged from the data: (1) shifts in social life, (2) shaken sense of self and perceived helplessness, (3) complex rehabilitation needs, and (4) perceptions and patterns of physical activity. Findings suggest that though survivors recognised their need for further rehabilitation, their demands remained unmet due to a combination of personal and external factors such as limited mobility and the absence of supportive companions and accessible facilities. The enhancement and diversification of home rehabilitation strategies are therefore necessary to make community rehabilitation more accessible and equitable.

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“…This will increase the readmission rate of patients and further increase their economic burden. Chau JPC found that the rehabilitation needs of stroke survivors in the community were not met after discharge [24]. Therefore, medical staff needs to pay attention to special populations, promote the sinking of medical resources, improve the continuity of nursing strategy of the "hospital-community-family" trinity, and provide comprehensive services for home rehabilitation patients.…”

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“…In the long run, they may have a reduced quality of life due to a lack of disease-related health information, inadequate professional rehabilitation, and low levels of social engagement ( Chuluunbaatar et al, 2016 ; Crichton et al, 2016 ). These factors might lead to adverse health outcomes such as stroke recurrence and mood disorders ( Bi and Wang, 2022 ; Chau et al, 2022 ; Wang et al, 2022 ). Therefore, post-acute stroke survivors must have access to proper disease knowledge and specialized rehabilitation information to support their physical and psychological recovery and promote positive health outcomes.…”

Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Care Clinic for Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…5 However, survivors constantly felt helpless and unprepared post-discharge and questioned their ability to adapt to a life with poststroke challenges. [6][7][8] Self-management refers to a person's active participation in managing the symptoms, medical regimens, and psychosocial sequelae associated with one's condition. 9 An increasing number of studies show evidence of self-management support interventions on significantly improving health outcomes of survivors including their self-efficacy (SE), self-management behaviors, healthrelated quality of life, social participation, and depression.…”

“…5 However, survivors constantly felt helpless and unprepared post-discharge and questioned their ability to adapt to a life with poststroke challenges. 6–8…”