The unmet care needs of Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke: A prospective qualitative study

<p>Juan Li and Zhihan Shang</p>

The unmet care needs of Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke: A prospective qualitative study

Juan Li and Zhihan Shang

Second Military Medical University School of Nursing, China

: J Nurs Patient Care

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Stroke is the leading cause of death and disability among Chinese adults. The unmet care needs of stroke patients from acute care to recovery are unclear. The study was to explore the unmet care needs of Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation to home. Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Twenty patients with acute ischemic stroke (18 male, 2 female) in the Neurology Department of a top hospital in Shanghai, China were selected by convenience sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted at hospitalization of acute stage, and one month, three months and six months since the onset of stroke. A chronic disease trajectory framework was utilized to focus on the stroke experience, care needs and how patients managed their recovery. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi method. Findings: Patients needed to recognize the onset of stroke, receive efficient first-aid and treatment, participate in the care plan and receive early rehabilitation and emotional support at acute care stage. Patients had needs of adaptation to the family environment after the discharge from acute hospital and access to rehabilitation information and resources at one month of onset of stroke, Patients had needs of maintaining better medication compliance to prevent recurrence, follow-up, and check-up, and sustainable psychological support at 3 months after onset. Patients had needs of emotional and social support to rearrange their lives and return to work and society at 6 months after stroke. Conclusion & Significance: Patients with acute ischemic stroke have different unmet care needs at different stages from the acute stage to recovery stage. Health care providers should provide patient-centered care and health education about medication, rehabilitation, and adaption according to the patients care needs.