ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide and the third leading cause of disease-related mortality in Taiwan. Furthermore, stroke is a major cause of functional disability in adults, causing physiological, psychological, and social impacts. Little qualitative research has been conducted on the primary adaptation process of patients with first-ever stroke in Taiwan. PURPOSE: The present study explored the primary adaptation process of patients with first-ever stroke. METHODS: This qualitative study used purposive sampling to enroll 12 patients with first-ever stroke for interviews, followed by theoretical sampling. Grounded theory guided the methodology and data analysis. Data analysis was performed simultaneously in accordance with the coding process. RESULTS: The primary adaptation process used by the participants involved the two main categories of "impacts of stroke" and "adaptation after stroke", with three subcategories associated, respectively, with the former (loss of physical autonomy, diminishing perceptions of self-value, and stroke-related hardships turning into social isolation) and with the latter (regaining autonomy after rehabilitation, receiving support from family without being a burden, and release from suffering/becoming more positive). The core category that emerged from the present study was: "Facing stroke, hoping for the best, transforming lives." CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The above findings on the primary adaptation process of stroke patients provide an important reference for clinical nurses/healthcare professionals who have responsibilities to care for patients with first-ever stroke. In addition, healthcare professionals should offer more health education and psychological support to stroke patients based on individual patient needs.
