Narratives unfolding in a convalescent rehabilitation ward—A qualitative study of 2 families of severely disabled patients after stroke / 日本プライマリ・ケア連合学会誌

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study explored the significance of the treatment of severely disabled stroke patients hospitalized in a convalescent rehabilitation ward, as documented through the narratives of these patients' families. <br>Methods: The wives of two inpatients who needed assistance in almost all activities of daily living and who were in a convalescent rehabilitation ward, participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with two wives about how they viewed their experience during hospitalization and discharge. Interviews were recorded with their permission and transcribed verbatim. Significant expressions in these two transcripts were selected, coded, compared constantly and generate relevant categories. <br>Results: Narratives fell into three categories recognition of patient disabilities, hope for recovery, and goal-setting and decision of destination at discharge. These categories are characterized by changing towards discharge influenced by description of the condition from doctors or information gathered from media or acquaintances. <br>Conclusion: Families of severely disabled patients seek meaning of their experiences through narratives which unfolded deeply and intensively. Assisting these processes is an essential role of convalescent rehabilitation wards. If these assistances are achieved successfully, convalescent rehabilitation wards can contribute to meaning of life of patients and families after discharge.