Exploring patients’ experiences of secondary prevention after stroke: a survey study

Stroke secondary prevention focuses on reducing the likelihood of future strokes by addressing underlying risk factors and lifestyle factors for stroke. By engaging with healthcare professionals and embracing secondary prevention education, patients become empowered in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke and improving long-term recovery. The aim of the survey was to describe stroke patients’ experiences and needs in relation to secondary prevention in a community setting in Ireland. Stroke patients recently discharged from hospital to Early Supported Discharge (ESD) completed a survey. The survey assessed patients’ experiences of secondary prevention focusing on three areas (i) secondary prevention at first contact (ii) format of secondary prevention information received and (iii) secondary prevention in ESD. 50 patients were discharged from the Hospital over a 6-month period between January 2024 and June 2024. All 50 patients were invited to participate in this study, 25 replied. (i) 28% (n = 7) received information on secondary prevention for the first time at home (ii) 68% (n = 17) responded favourably to having a secondary prevention education booklet used to inform them and 52% (n = 13) reported a nurse phone helpline would be beneficial if they had future questions regarding their care (iii) 96% (n = 24) of stroke survivors stated that they would prefer their secondary prevention information delivered at home by a nurse specialist. Providing secondary prevention information to stroke patients in the community supports the view that patients to feel more in control at home in a familiar environment, reducing stress and anxiety. These findings will be used to inform the development of a secondary prevention education resource for use by stroke nurse specialists in ESD.