The experiences of stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers regarding goal setting within stroke rehabilitation: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

REVIEW QUESTION / OBJECTIVE The overall aim of this qualitative systematic review is to explore the personal experiences of stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers in goal setting in stroke rehabilitation. The objectives of this review are to: 1. Describe the experiences of stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers in goal setting in stroke rehabilitation 2. Identify whether stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers consider the impact of goal setting on the person-centeredness of the rehabilitation approach 3. Ascertain whether stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers consider if goal setting enables them to effectively self manage their condition. INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants This review will consider studies that include adults (18 years old and over) who have experienced a stroke and undergone rehabilitation (as an inpatient or an outpatient), and their families and unpaid carers. Family members who care directly for their stroke survivor spouse or relative will be included. Family members who do not provide direct care but live with their stroke survivor spouse or relative will be included. Others who provide direct care, but are not paid or related to the stroke survivor, will be included. Paid carers (non-family) or family members who neither live with nor care for a stroke survivor will be excluded. Phenomena of interest Studies that investigate the experiences of stroke survivors, their families and unpaid carers regarding goal setting within rehabilitation will be considered. Studies investigating stroke rehabilitation goal setting as the entire focus, or those where it TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS