Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
A Qualitative Exploration of Stroke Survivors' Experiences of Using a Stroke Helpline
Muneeba T Chaudhry1, Alana B McCambridge1, Esminio I I Rivera1
1Discipline of Physiotherapy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Background:
StrokeLine is a stroke-specific helpline used by stroke survivors and their families in Australia to access professional support. There has been little research exploring stroke survivors' experiences of using helplines and their perceived impact on their stroke recovery.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to explore the reasons prompting stroke survivors to call StrokeLine and their experiences and to describe the perceived impact of calling StrokeLine on their recovery.
Methods:
An exploratory descriptive qualitative study was undertaken using thematic analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews of stroke survivors between December 2020 and May 2022. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted via audio-recorded Zoom conference calling and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis.
Results:
A total of eight callers (four men and women women) participated, with the time since stroke ranging from 3.5 months to 5 years. Four major themes were identified, including 17 sub-themes. Key themes included (1) factors prompting use of StrokeLine; (2) experience of using StrokeLine; (3) perceived impact of using StrokeLine; and (4) conceptualising StrokeLine service provision.
Conclusions:
Participants perceived their experience of contacting StrokeLine as having a positive impact on their stroke recovery, leaving them feeling empowered and motivated to self-manage their condition.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
Stroke survivors with lived experience influenced the conceptualisation of this study through conversations with consumers and the Stroke Foundation. Eight stroke survivors were involved as participants in the research study.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
01:23Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...