Needs, priorities, and desired rehabilitation outcomes of family members of young adults who have had a stroke: findings from a phenomenological study

Abstract

• Following stroke in a young adult, families' needs, priorities and associated rehabilitation outcomes change over time; rehabilitation services should reflect this dynamic process. • To deliver family-centred care, rehabilitation professionals need to develop a deeper understanding of the experience of families affected by stroke, gained from qualitative research findings and from their own reflective practice. • Gaining understanding of the experience of family members of young adults who have had a stroke will enable health professionals to consider how they may improve practice and enhance service provision to ensure delivery of effective, family-centred interventions. • The table of family-centred needs and outcomes can be used by members of the multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation team in conjunction with their own knowledge, experience and resources to inform family-centred practice.