Vivian Huang (Canada)
The University of British Columbia
Faculty of Medicine
Vivian is a fourth year medical student at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. She graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Science in 2018. Her interests are in physiatry and neurology, and specifically in stroke rehabilitation. She strives to improve patient-centered care as a future physician through her practice, research, and quality improvement activities. She is working with stroke neurologist Dr. Thalia Field who is a member of the Vancouver Stroke Program and holds the Sauder Family/Heart and Stroke Foundation Professorship of Stroke Research. She is grateful for all the invaluable mentorship she has received from other researchers for her current project.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar

INTERVIEWS WITH YOUNG STROKE SURVIVORS TO INFORM BETTER CARE

Session Name
0100 - Stroke Rehabilitation and Neonatal Stroke (ID 15)
Session Type
Free Communication Session
Date
28.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
10:00 - 11:30
Room
FREE COMMUNICATIONS A
Presenter
Lecture Time
10:40 - 10:50

Abstract

Background and Aims

Stroke is often regarded as a disease of the elderly. However, 10-15% of strokes occur in people between ages 18 to 50. Young stroke survivors face unique challenges, such as returning to work or raising children, which may not be fully addressed by current stroke rehabilitation resources. The purpose of our qualitative study is to identify gaps in patient care and resources specific to young stroke survivors, and to then translate this knowledge into recommendations for clinical practice at the level of individual healthcare providers, healthcare systems design, stroke guidelines, and healthcare policies.

Methods

Using Interpretive Description, a qualitative research methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 stroke survivors aged 18-55 living in British Columbia, Canada to explore their experiences during stroke recovery, and to determine what supports and resources are needed. The interview transcripts were analyzed using broad-based coding and thematic analysis to identify key themes in the interview material.

Results

Key themes include (1) delayed diagnosis of young stroke; (2) inability of current assessment tools to capture nuanced cognitive deficits; (3) lack of psychological/psychiatric support throughout stroke recovery; (4) challenges in finding relevant and accessible community resources; and (5) lack of follow-up resources for chronic management of stroke deficits.

Conclusions

Young stroke survivors experience unique challenges in British Columbia. With this information, we have made recommendations for clinical practice and healthcare systems in BC to improve care of young stroke survivors. This knowledge has the potential to inform other healthcare systems across the world.

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