Abstract
BackgroundTransient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are often considered transient events; however, many patients experience residual problems and reduced quality of life. Current follow-up healthcare focuses on stroke prevention and care for other long-term problems is not routinely provided.We aimed to explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experiences of residual problems post-TIA/minor stroke, the impact of TIA/minor stroke on patients’ lives, and current follow-up care and sources of support.MethodsThis qualitative study recruited participants from three TIA clinics, seven general practices and one community care trust in the West Midlands, England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 TIA/minor stroke patients and 24 HCPs from primary, secondary and community care. Data was analysed using framework analysis.ResultsA diverse range of residual problems were reported post-TIA/minor stroke, including psychological, cognitive and physical impairments. Consultants and general practitioners generally lacked awareness of these long-term problems; however, there was better recognition among nurses and allied HCPs. Residual problems significantly affected patients’ lives, including return to work, social activities, and relationships with family and friends. Follow-up care was variable and medically focused. While HCPs prioritised medical investigations and stroke prevention medication, patients emphasised the importance of understanding their diagnosis, individualised support regarding stroke risk, and addressing residual problems.ConclusionHCPs could better communicate information about TIA/minor stroke diagnosis and secondary stroke prevention using lay language, and improve their identification of and response to important residual impairments affecting patients.
Highlights
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are often considered transient events; many patients experience residual problems and reduced quality of life
The impact of TIA/minor stroke on patients’ ability to return to work, [25,26,27] performance at work, [20, 25] social activities [20, 21, 23, 26, 27] and family relationships has been reported [23,24,25,26, 28]. These studies only focus on TIA/minor stroke patients’ experiences and there is no qualitative exploration of healthcare providers’ (HCPs) perspectives
This study is a qualitative study with TIA/minor stroke patients and HCPs
Summary
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke are often considered transient events; many patients experience residual problems and reduced quality of life. We aimed to explore patient and healthcare provider (HCP) experiences of residual problems post-TIA/minor stroke, the impact of TIA/minor stroke on patients’ lives, and current follow-up care and sources of support. The impact of TIA/minor stroke on patients’ ability to return to work, [25,26,27] performance at work, [20, 25] social activities [20, 21, 23, 26, 27] and family relationships has been reported [23,24,25,26, 28] These studies only focus on TIA/minor stroke patients’ experiences and there is no qualitative exploration of healthcare providers’ (HCPs) perspectives. It is important to identify any critical gaps in understanding and experiences of TIA/minor stroke between HCPs and patients
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