Transformation of the Relationship: The Experience of Primary Support Persons of Stroke Survivors

Abstract

The primary support persons (PSPs) of stroke survivors are faced with many challenges as they help reintegrate the stroke survivor's life, as well as their own. Because it often is the PSP with whom nurses negotiate goals, teach, and counsel, it is important for nurses to understand the stroke experience from the PSP's perspective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the quality, or nature, of life as experienced by PSPs of stroke survivors. The qualitative design for this study was an existential-phenomenological approach, focusing on meaning. This involved an analysis of in-depth phenomenological interviews of 10 PSPs of stroke survivors. The experience of being a PSP of a stroke survivor is one grounded in the relationship in time. From this ground emerges themes of fragility, vigilance, and loss/responsibility. These themes help define the essence of the experience, which is a transformation of the relationship. The findings provide nurses with an understanding of the PSP's experience, and thus a foundation upon which to provide holistic care for the stroke survivor and family.