- Title
- Exploring post-stroke fatigue from the perspective of stroke survivors: what strategies help? A qualitative study
- Creator
- Delbridge, Alex; Davey, Julie; Galloway, Margaret; Drummond, Avril; Lanyon, Lucette; Olley, Natasha; Mason, Gillian; English, Coralie; Simpson, Dawn B.
- Relation
- Disability and Rehabilitaiton Vol. 46, Issue 18, p. 4187-4193
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2023.2266363
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Resource Type
- journal article
- Date
- 20234
- Description
- Purpose: Post-stroke fatigue is a research priority for stroke survivors and health professionals but there is limited evidence to guide management. We aimed to explore (1) the experience of post-stroke fatigue from the perspective of stroke survivors and their caregivers and (2) fatigue management strategies that are used. Materials and methods: This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. People with self-reported post-stroke fatigue and caregivers were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Analysis was done via the framework approach. Results: We recruited 17 stroke survivors, nine male (53%), most under 65 years (n = 12, 76%), and greater than 1-year post-stroke (n = 16, 94%, range 10-months to 22-years). One-third of participants self-reported having aphasia (n = 5, 36%). We also recruited eight caregivers, most of whom were female (n = 7, 88%). We identified four themes: (1) fatigue is unexpected after stroke and symptoms vary; (2) the individual experience of fatigue is complex, influenced by multifactorial and biopsychosocial factors; (3) learning to adapt and accept fatigue; and (4) Strategies to manage fatigue and personal approaches to rest. Conclusions: Post-stroke fatigue experience varies presenting cognitively, physically, and psychologically according to a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors and personal triggers. Self-management strategies are individualised and include organisation, medications, lifestyle modifications, and peer support. Implications for rehabilitation: * Post-stroke fatigue is a complex individual experience involving biopsychosocial factors, and stroke survivors need assistance to identify their triggers and support from family, peers, and the stroke community to live well with fatigue. * Fatigue is not commonly discussed by health professionals and stroke survivors need simple, practical advice over the long-term to reduce fear and distress. * There are a range of strategies that may be helpful. Stroke survivors may benefit from adopting problem-solving approaches, trial pacing, lifestyle modifications and planning, and find forms of rest that work for them.
- Subject
- post-stroke fatigue; qualitative; stroke; stroke survivors; caregivers; fatigue; SDG 3; Sustainable Development Goals
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1510267
- Identifier
- uon:56363
- Identifier
- ISSN:0963-8288
- Rights
- x
- Language
- eng
- Reviewed
- Hits: 359
- Visitors: 351
- Downloads: 0