Shaping Better Care: Young Stroke Survivors' Preferred Methods of Meeting Their Unique Needs.

Abstract

To determine how young stroke survivors want their unmet needs to be addressed, we undertook an international online survey of people living with stroke. Participants self-selected to complete an online survey that included a questionnaire on demographics and stroke-related characteristics, the Young Stroke Needs Screening Tool, and a questionnaire on how they wanted their needs to be met. 171 responses were received (68% female, mean age 45, IQR = 36,51). Preferences for methods of meeting needs varied depending on the domain of need as well as participants' demographic and stroke-related characteristics. Face-to-face contact with a healthcare professional was a popular means of meeting needs, but methods outside of a traditional healthcare setting such as a succinct list of tips or peer support were widely acceptable and sometimes preferred. This work provides the impetus for developing alternative methods of meeting young stroke survivors' needs, many of which are not resource-intensive nor require an appointment with a healthcare professional.