The experiences of spousal and adult child caregivers of stroke survivors in transitional care: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Aim: To synthesize and present the currently available literature on the experiences of spousal and adult child caregivers of stroke patients in transitional care.Design: This is a qualitative systematic review. DataSources: Eight electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, PsychINFO, ProQuest and Scopus) were searched from September 2020 to April 2022 for relevant literature and grey literature. Qualitative studies exploring the experiences of sspousal or adult child caregivers of stroke survivors up till 1 year after discharge were included.Review Methods: The selection of articles was done by two independent reviewers who screened the titles and the abstracts of studies, and the full texts of selected articles. Quality appraisal and data extraction of selected articles were undertaken by two independent reviewers using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools.Data synthesis was conducted using a meta-aggregative approach recommended by JBI.Results: A total of 19 papers were included in this review. A total of three synthesized findings centred around caregivers' experience with healthcare professionals, changes in their life roles and needs, effects of caregiving and how they adapted to their changes were aggregated. Conclusion:Spousal and adult child caregivers faced multiple barriers during transitional care, such as the lack of resources and an inability to cope with changes in their lives. Support and adequate preparation were key facilitators in easing stroke caregivers into their role. Impact:The findings from this review can be used to guide future implementations of caregiver education programmes and comprehensive discharge planning for stroke survivors.

Effects of non-invasive cervical spinal cord neuromodulation by trans-spinal electrical stimulation on cortico-muscular descending patterns in upper extremity of chronic stroke

“…Among the UE muscles, the distal UE (wrist-hand joints) movements are more susceptible to disruption by poststroke spasticity, weakness, and cortical compensatory strategies, as they require a higher degree of precision and control compared to the proximal UE (shoulder-elbow joints) movements ( Wissel et al, 2010 ). Although the objective in the upper limb rehabilitation was to minimize the shoulder/elbow compensations and to improve distal movement, the wrist-hand motor functions often benefited little from the current task-oriented interventions in routine practices, where shoulder/elbow compensations to distal motions were often adopted in a hurry of discharging preparation because of short hospital stays and insufficient professional supervisions for outpatient care ( Govender and Kalra, 2007 ; See; Toh et al, 2022 ). Furthermore, the descending neural tracts for cortical control to the distal muscles are mainly projected from the ipsilesional hemisphere, with fewer tracts from the contralesional hemisphere than those of the proximal muscles ( Ward, 2011 ).…”

A longitudinal study of burden among spouse and non-spouse caregivers of older adults with stroke-induced-dependency

“…The burden faced by family caregivers of older stroke survivors is well documented in the literature, especially with regard to the moment of transition from specialized care to that to be performed at home ( 14 ) . However, studies related to burden assessment in spouse and non-spouse caregivers and how it changes over time are lacking.…”

Exploring the experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors in Burkina Faso: A qualitative study protocol

“…1 Stroke consequences range from physical [5][6][7] and psychological disorders 2,8 to post-stroke environmental barriers, 9 and stroke impact on caregivers in both developed and developing countries. 10 Indeed, in this context where individuals after a stroke have suddenly become dependent due to multiple functional limitations, their families and/or relatives are required to take on new responsibilities for them, such as assistance with mobility, feeding and body hygiene care, thus creating the notion of caregiving. 10 A relevant systematic review conducted by Mackenzie and Greenwood in 2012, which included nine qualitative and quantitative studies, highlighted the main positive effects of caregiving.…”

“…10 Indeed, in this context where individuals after a stroke have suddenly become dependent due to multiple functional limitations, their families and/or relatives are required to take on new responsibilities for them, such as assistance with mobility, feeding and body hygiene care, thus creating the notion of caregiving. 10 A relevant systematic review conducted by Mackenzie and Greenwood in 2012, which included nine qualitative and quantitative studies, highlighted the main positive effects of caregiving. 11 These effects referred to the improvement in the health status of stroke survivors and strengthening connections with their caregivers, resulting in better social integration of stroke survivors within their communities.…”