ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and expectations of people with stroke, during their transition from hospital to home, after participating in a novel inpatient outreach program, entitled STRENGTH. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, which were undertaken at discharge and 4-6 weeks post discharge. Thematic analysis was used to code the interview transcripts. RESULTS: The study incorporated data from seven people with stroke, who had a mean age of 61 years. Thematic analysis derived two themes, each with two sub-themes. The first theme was "Hospital and home" and described clients' experiences of therapy and the hospital environment. The second theme was "Life will never be what it was before" and elaborated on the adaptations and changing expectations that clients had before and after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: People with stroke described the therapy they received in both the hospital and home as beneficial. The results support the addition of the home-based inpatient program, STRENGTH, to the current rehabilitation system, as it appeared to realign the expectations of people with stroke and better prepare them for their discharge home.
Subject(s)
Home Care Services , Stroke Rehabilitation , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Qualitative Research , Recovery of Function , Stroke/physiopathology , Stroke/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Driving cessation can lead to negative consequences, such as depression and reduced social activities. PURPOSE: The University of Queensland Driver Retirement Initiative (UQDRIVE) intensive support program is a six-week program to assist older people with driving cessation. METHODS: Fifty-five participants completed a survey of satisfaction with the program, including identification of the aspects of the program that were useful and they had applied in real life. FINDINGS: There was overall satisfaction with the program, and content analysis identified three areas that were highlighted as particularly useful: "Finding alternative means: transport and service options," "Planning with more wisdom: thinking about driving cessation," and "Being with people: sharing experiences with peers." IMPLICATIONS: These findings indicate that program participants were satisfied with the current UQDRIVE intensive support group program and found both the psychosocial supports and practical strategies to be useful in managing driving cessation.
