ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A966 EXPLORING PATIENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF SECONDARY PREVENTION AFTER STROKE: A SURVEY STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Stroke secondary prevention focuses on reducing the likelihood of future strokes by addressing underlying risk factors and lifestyle factors that contribute to stroke. Nurses play an important role in stroke secondary prevention and recently as key team members in early supported discharge (ESD) teams. The aim of the survey was to describe stroke patients’ experiences of and their needs in relation to secondary prevention in a community setting. Methods A paper survey delivered to stroke patients recently discharged from hospital, receiving ESD. The survey assessed patients’ experiences of secondary prevention focusing on three areas (i) secondary prevention at first contact (ii) format of the secondary prevention information received and (iii) secondary prevention in ESD. The study received ethics approval. Results 50% replied, n=25. (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 20% (n=5) 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. Conclusions Providing secondary prevention information to stroke patients in the community empowers patients to feel more in control at home in a familiar environment, reducing stress and anxiety. The findings in this survey will be used to inform the development of a secondary prevention education resource for use by stroke nurse specialists in early supported discharge. Conflict of interest Sarah-Jane Byrne: Nothing to disclose. David Williams: Nothing to disclose. Declan Patton: Nothing to disclose. Frances Horgan: Nothing to disclose