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The experiences and needs of C hinese‐ C anadian stroke survivors and family caregivers as they re‐integrate into the community
Author(s) -
Yeung Emily H. L.,
Szeto Amy,
Richardson Denyse,
Lai Sukhan,
Lim Eva,
Cameron Jill I.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
health and social care in the community
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.984
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1365-2524
pISSN - 0966-0410
DOI - 10.1111/hsc.12164
Subject(s) - rehabilitation , stroke (engine) , qualitative research , community integration , community based rehabilitation , medicine , population , conceptual framework , gerontology , psychology , nursing , physical therapy , sociology , mechanical engineering , social science , environmental health , engineering
Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability and community re‐integration is a priority for stroke rehabilitation. In N orth A merica, we have a growing population of individuals whose first language is not E nglish. Little is known about the experiences of visible minorities living in N orth A merica as they re‐integrate into the community post stroke or how these experiences change over time. Specifically, this research aimed to explore the experiences and needs of C hinese stroke survivors and family caregivers as they return to community living using the Timing it Right Framework as a conceptual guide. We recruited Cantonese‐speaking stroke survivors and family caregivers from outpatient rehabilitation programmes. Using qualitative interviews conducted in Cantonese or English, we examined their experiences and needs as they return to community living and explored the influence of culture and time on their experiences. The interviews were transcribed and translated, and then analysed using framework analysis. Using framework analysis, we coded the data corresponding to the phases of the Timing it Right framework to determine the influence of time on the themes. We interviewed five Cantonese‐speaking stroke survivors and 13 caregivers in 2009. We identified two main themes: (i) Participants' education and support needs change over time and (ii) Chinese resources are needed across care environments. These resources include access to care in their preferred language, traditional Chinese medicine, and Chinese food during their recovery and rehabilitation. To optimise Chinese stroke survivors' and caregivers' community re‐integration, healthcare professionals should provide timely and accessible education and be aware of the role of Chinese diet and traditional medicine in stroke survivors' rehabilitation.