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A qualitative study investigating the views of stroke survivors and their family members on discussing post-stroke cognitive trajectories

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Eugene TangORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Cognitive impairment is common early after stroke but trajectories over the long term are variable. Some stroke survivors make a full recovery, while others retain a stable impairment or decline. This study explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of discussing potential cognitive trajectories with stroke survivors and their family members. Stroke survivors at least six-months post-stroke were purposively sampled from an existing pool of research volunteers recruited originally for the OCS-Recovery study. They were invited, alongside a family member, to participate in a semi-structured interview. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Twenty-six stroke survivors and eleven family members participated. We identified one overarching theme and three related subthemes. The overarching theme was: One size does not fit all. The subthemes were: (1) Hearing about potential cognitive trajectories helps to develop realistic expectations; (2) Discussions about cognitive trajectories may be motivating; (3) Cognitive decline and post-stroke dementia discussions may be anxiety-provoking and depressing. Healthcare professionals should adopt a person-centred approach to sharing information about post-stroke cognitive trajectories. Discussions should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, with dementia-related topics in particular addressed with the utmost selectivity and sensitivity.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Hobden G, Tang EYH, Demeyere N

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Year: 2024

Volume: 34

Issue: 10

Pages: 1404-1421

Online publication date: 17/02/2024

Acceptance date: 16/01/2024

Date deposited: 04/03/2024

ISSN (print): 0960-2011

ISSN (electronic): 1464-0694

Publisher: Routledge

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/09602011.2024.2314882

DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2024.2314882

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