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Table 4 Stroke survivors’ perceptions post intervention

From: Development and evaluation of a nurse-led, tailored stroke self-management intervention

Q: Did you find the questions easy to understand?

 

“Yes but people who have suffered worse than me might prefer more specific questions.” (SS1)

 

“The questions were in plain English and straightforward.” (SS3)

 

“The questions were easy to understand and appeared to be structured in such a way that answering them was simplistic. All you had to do was be honest and express your true feelings. [The questions] made you more aware of how your condition was impacting on everyday life.” (SS5)

 

Q: How helpful did you find having the opportunity to identify and discuss your own goals/things that were important to you?

 

“Very helpful…helps me to move forward in achieving my goal.” (SS2).

 

“Very important to have something to aim for after a stroke to help with your recovery” (SS4).

 

“It was helpful to discuss goals with my nurse. By working together I was able to suggest goals and we both decided if my suggestions were relevant to my condition, and most importantly, achievable. Small steps still get you to your destination.” (SS5)

 

Q: How helpful did you find the specific self-management advice that was offered?

 

“It was very helpful. It helped me to focus on the areas that were most important to me instead of trying to address all issues at the same time. If these areas can be improved, everything else could hopefully improve.” (SS5)

 

“It was helpful as I was unsure of certain things.” (SS6)

 

Q: Did you feel the advice you were offered was relevant and appropriate to your needs?

 

“Yes very much so…we discussed in great detail where I wanted to be and how best to achieve this. It was a great help to speak to someone who had a high level of understanding of the problems I was facing and help to work out solutions.” (SS5)

 

“Very relevant as I needed a lot of advice.” (SS6).

 

Q: Do you feel you’ve learnt anything you didn’t know about your condition or managing things in your l ife that you didn’t know before?

 

“I’ve learnt a lot and I am more able to understand things more.” (SS1)

 

“Felt the people I talked to were very helpful and reassuring.” (SS3)

 

“Definitely. [Stroke nurse] spent time explaining how stroke was impacting on my life i.e. the side effects I was experiencing. She also gave me more confidence by praising how well I was coping with the side effects.” (SS5)

 

Q: Have you done anything differently to manage things in your life?

 

“I’ve looked more into managing things by myself in my life.” (SS1)

 

“I am eating better now after having problems and better after advice. I am no wiser about my condition though.” (SS4)

 

“Having a better understanding allows me to now voice concerns which previously I didn’t as I thought the problems I was having were par for the course.” (SS5)

 

“I now have definitely more focus on the important things to help me improve. There is also a more structured system in place for my daily activities as now I have a plan to follow. I praise myself more for achieving my own goals and I can now adjust these goals realistically. (SS5).

 

Q: Do you feel more confident to manage things in your life than you felt before?

 

“Yes…because of various agencies. I feel more confident to manage my condition.” (SS3)

 

“No as I still need assistance at all times…I am no wiser about my condition.” (SS4)

 

“Yes. I no longer allow the small setbacks to affect me as much. Previously my expectations were too high and I could feel dismayed if I did not meet them. I now have realistic goals which can be adjusted to suit my progress.” (SS5).

 
  1. *('SS' denotes 'stroke survivor')