Coordinated psychosocial rehabilitation for adults affected by stroke

Every year, more than 25 000 people in Sweden suffer a stroke. These people have often lived a life without disability before they fell ill and the adjustment can therefore be revolutionary for the person affected and their family members. 

Studies on stroke rarely mention the psychosocial interventions and treatment offered, and previous research has shown that family members of people with stroke have higher levels of anxiety than family members of people with other neurological disabilities. Living with stroke increases the risk that both carers and the person with stroke are exposed to various stresses. A recent knowledge review shows that people with complex disabilities after stroke are often excluded from psychosocial support, even though this group may have the greatest need for support.

The psychosocial support and treatment is usually provided by a health care curator in the form of information, motivational interviews, crisis interventions, systematic supportive interviews, coordination and collaboration, and support for relatives such as group treatment, counselling and information. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the extent to which people with stroke and their family members are offered psychosocial support and treatment, as well as how the contact with a health care counsellor looks over time.

The research project aims to study the individualised and coordinated psychosocial support in the rehabilitation of people with stroke and their relatives.