Patient and spouse perceptions of stroke and its rehabilitation

The object of the study was to determine, in stroke patients and their spouses, changes in their perceptions of stroke, information received about it, its management, and its rehabilitation. There were assessments on acute admission, on admission to and discharge from rehabilitation, and six and twelve months after discharge. Participants were 60 twelve month stroke survivors who had undergone an inpatient rehabilitation programme, and 46 spouses. Their perceptions of stroke, of medical information received, of the management of stroke, and of rehabilitation were assessed in a structured interview. Stroke was predominantly perceived by participants in terms of physiological causes and disabling consequences. Its causes were poorly understood, as was the role of doctors and hospitals for people with strokes. The role of rehabilitation was better understood. Many participants felt they were told little about the illness during care. Stroke patients and their spouses adapt with varying success to their changed circumstances. This adaptation will benefit from better communication between medical staff and families in the acute and rehabilitation settings.