[Self-help groups--how? Experiences with families of patients with apoplexy]

The object of this investigation was to establish self-help groups for apoplectics and their spouses and to gain basic experience for establishing future self-help groups. Twenty-four participants took part in the investigation and two qualitative methods for collection of data were employed: observation by participants and interview observation. In the first instance, the apoplectic individual and spouses participated in separate groups on a total of nine occasions. In the second instance, a group was established with the apoplectic persons and their spouses on seven occasions. Two separate meetings were held. The compositions of the groups influenced the choice of subjects discussed. In the group of apoplectic persons, the main subjects were problems of identity, the condition involved and dependence upon the spouse. In the group of spouses, the subjects were distribution of power, interchange and fellowship in the group concerning the individual everyday situations. The mixed group was the forum for acceptance and solidarity e.g. concerning the tensions which apoplexy involves in the partnership but also for amusement. The model with the mixed group was found to fulfill the requirements of the families best. The time of discharge and cessation of training were vulnerable. The need for information about apoplexy and its sequelae for the apoplectic person and the spouse had not been covered. Neither the apoplectic persons nor their spouses considered that they could establish self-help groups for others on their own.