Abstract
Globally, there is a rise in incident cases of stroke, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to obesity-related and lifestyle risk factors, including health issues such as high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Since the early 20th century, stroke mortality has declined due to proper management of the risk factors and improved treatment practices. However, despite the decline in mortality, there is an increase in the levels of disability that requires long-term support. In countries such as Australia and Denmark, where most care is provided within the community; family members, generally spouses, assume the role of caregiver, with little to no preparation that affects the quality of care provided to the person living with stroke. While past research has highlighted aspects to improve caregiver preparedness of stroke and its impact on care; health planning, recovery, and public health policies rarely consider these factors, reducing engagement and increasing uncertainty. Hence, there is a need to focus on improving strategies during recovery to promote caregiver engagement. In this study, we, therefore, try to understand the needs of the caregiver in stroke that limit engagement, and processes employed in countries such as Australia and Denmark to provide care for the person with stroke. Based on our understanding of these factors, we highlight the potential opportunities and challenges to promote caregiving engagement in these countries.
Highlights
In the past few decades, there has been a shift in the overall global disease burden from infectious, nutritional, neonatal, and maternal causes to non-infectious diseases, with cardiovascular diseases and stroke being the predominant causes [1]
Despite the burden involved in care, caregivers often want to be involved in recovery and provide tangible assistance and support for the person living with stroke [20]
Clinicians are often required to ensure the recovery process meets the individual needs of the person living with stroke [46]
Summary
In the past few decades, there has been a shift in the overall global disease burden from infectious, nutritional, neonatal, and maternal causes to non-infectious diseases, with cardiovascular diseases and stroke being the predominant causes [1]. Through the inclusion of such a process, it is possible to engage the caregiver required for healthcare planning and policy making; allowing decisionmakers to understand the needs and requirements of the caregivers in stroke recovery In countries such as Denmark and Australia, the median length of stay after acute stroke is between 3 and 7 days [26, 44]. To facilitate engagement in stroke recovery; caregivers would need to be informed about the disease, rehabilitation, and decision-making process but would be required to understand the model of care to ensure optimal recovery for the person living with stroke [34]. They often feel disconnected with healthcare services, as the perceived needs are not fulfilled [55]. Requiring for a more integrated pathway that considers a multi-disciplinary team, including caregivers and people living with stroke to ensure share values in coordinating work and successful care [39]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
