Recovery after stroke: perspectives of young stroke survivors in Taiwan

Purpose: To learn about the experiences of stroke recovery among young stroke survivors in Taiwan and to elucidate the beliefs, goals, and facilitators of and barriers to their recovery. Methods: A qualitative approach was used for data collection, and data were obtained from five focus groups consisting of stroke survivors aged 20–64 years (n = 25). Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically by two independent coders using NVivo version 10. Results: “Returning to prestroke status” was a common belief of recovery for stroke survivors; their goals of recovery changed overtime from regaining physical functions, independent living, and participating in work and leisure activities to maintaining functions or returning to normality. Their perceived personal and environmental facilitators of recovery included positive attitude, family and friends, and rehabilitation, whereas barriers to recovery included psychological factors, social stigma, and physical environment. Conclusion: These findings provide useful insights for rehabilitation clinicians to develop culturally tailored interventions to improve poststroke recovery outcomes in young stroke survivors.Implications for rehabilitation Rehabilitation clinicians should understand stroke survivors’ beliefs and goals of recovery to provide tailored services. Optimizing the goal-setting process and patient–provider communication may help clinicians and survivors examine and adjust their expectations toward recovery during rehabilitation. Interventions will be needed to address personal and environmental supports and barriers, such as motivation, psychological factors, social support, and the physical environment to help survivors achieve their recovery goals.