Communication in stroke: the overlooked rehabilitation tool

People who have had a stroke and their families at every stage post-stroke state that they require more information. They wish to be informed about all aspects of their stroke and their care and be involved in decision-making. Several evidence-based reviews have found that information provision in stroke is inadequate and that future work should address the expressed needs of stroke survivors and families. Utilising research and personal experience as the spouse of a stroke survivor, this author makes a plea for better communication in stroke. The first steps to achieve this include the following. (i) Acknowledgement that stroke communication needs to be improved and that improved communication could affect outcomes not only for stroke survivors and their families but for professionals as well. (ii) The content of post-stroke communication needs to be delineated. Professionals have conflicting opinions on how to talk about uncertain recovery and a life post-stroke that includes disability. (iii) Proposing that stroke communication must support identity. Communication in stroke needs to be improved and communication should support identity.