Holistic concerns of Chinese stroke survivors during hospitalization and in transition to home

This article is a report of a study conducted to explore the phenomenon of concerns as experienced by Chinese stroke survivors during hospitalization and in transition to home.

Stroke is characterized by its sudden onset and prolonged residual problems, which affect survivors' holistic well-being. Many studies have focused on stroke consequences and their correlates with psychosocial outcomes. Very little is known about holistic concerns of stroke survivors, particularly in the transition from hospital to home.

We used purposive sampling of 15 stroke survivors who participated in semi-structured interviews after being discharged from stroke wards of a general hospital in Hong Kong from November 2008 to February 2009. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological techniques.

Stroke survivors' physical, psychological, socio-cultural and spiritual concerns in hospital and transition to home emerged from the data analysis. The four major themes identified were: (a) dynamic interplay of holistic concerns, (b) cultural expression of illness experiences, (c) social support 'paradox' and (d) caring gaps in clinical management.

Understanding the interwoven holistic concerns for the stroke survivors in hospital and after discharged home can help nurses to identify their health needs and plan for appropriate nursing interventions. The findings provide guidance for the development of culture-sensitive holistic care interventions with family involvement in Chinese stroke populations.