Access and participation in the community: a prospective qualitative study of driving post-stroke

Abstract

Purpose: Loss of role as a driver significantly affects community participation; therefore, we aimed to explore the impact of driving issues post-stroke in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study of community-dwelling stroke survivors, using semi-structured interviews. Results: Twenty-two participants took part in 84 interviews over a 1-year period post-stroke. The majority of participants was independent and experienced few major depressive symptoms. ages ranged from 50 to 92 years. Emergent key themes included impact on quality of life, personal impacts, change to role performance and knowledge. Participants received inconsistent advice regarding return to driving. Confidence and availability determined public transport use. Conclusions: Driving advice should be standard practice prior to discharge. Allied health professionals can play an essential role in interventions addressing community participation, driver re-training and alternative transport use. Therapists have an important role in assisting stroke survivors to work through feelings of loss and in providing education concerning new skills to support this life transition.Implications for RehabilitationIssues regarding driving are of major importance to stroke survivors.Allied health professionals can play a significant role in providing education and training regarding return to driving and alternate transport options.Allied health professionals have an important role in assisting stroke survivors to transition to a life without driving by working through feelings of loss and by providing education concerning new skills to support this life transition.