Article

Loss of role as a driver significantly affects community participation;
therefore, we aimed to explore the impact of driving issues post-stroke in
community-dwelling stroke survivors. METHODS: A longitudinal qualitative study of
community-dwelling stroke survivors, using semi-structured interviews. RESULTS:
Twenty-two participants took part in 84 interviews over a 1-year period
post-stroke. The majority of participants was independent and experienced few
major depressive symptoms. ages ranged from 50 to 92 years. Emergent key themes
included impact on quality of life, personal impacts, change to role performance
and knowledge. Participants received inconsistent advice regarding return to
driving. Confidence and availability determined public transport use.
CONCLUSIONS: Driving advice should be standard practice prior to discharge.
Allied health professionals can play an essential role in interventions
addressing community participation, driver re-training and alternative transport
use. Therapists have an important role in assisting stroke survivors to work
through feelings of loss and in providing education concerning new skills to
support this life transition.

Langue : ANGLAIS