Perceptions of the role of general practice and practical support measures for carers of stroke survivors: a qualitative study
2011

Support Needs of Carers for Stroke Survivors

Sample size: 23 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Greenwood N, Mackenzie A, Harris R, Fenton W, Cloud G

Primary Institution: St George's University of London and Kingston University

Hypothesis

What support do carers of stroke survivors want from general practice?

Conclusion

Carers have low expectations of support from general practice, which is perceived as reactive and time-constrained.

Supporting Evidence

  • Carers' expectations of support from general practice were low.
  • General practice was seen as reactive primarily because of time constraints.
  • Some carers would appreciate emotional support but others did not want additional services.
  • Responses to recent policy initiatives were mixed among carers.

Takeaway

Carers of stroke survivors often feel they don't get enough help from their doctors, and they mostly think the doctors are too busy to support them.

Methodology

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 stroke carers and 10 members of a general practice team.

Limitations

The study only included participants from one general practice, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

{"gender":{"female":8,"male":5},"age":{"under_60":3,"over_60":10},"relationship":{"wife":6,"husband":5,"daughter":2},"living_arrangements":{"cohabit":11,"not_cohabit":2},"paid_employment":{"yes":4,"no":9},"time_caring":{"less_than_6_months":5,"more_than_6_months":8}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-12-57

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