How can stroke care be improved for younger service users? A qualitative study on the unmet needs of younger adults in inpatient and outpatient stroke care in Australia

Abstract

Background: The incidence of young stroke is increasing worldwide. However, young adults are inadequately supported in their recovery by a system of stroke care in which the older patient is the majority consumer.Purpose: To examine the unmet needs of younger stroke survivors in inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings and identify opportunities for improved service delivery.Materials and Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 19 participants aged 18-55 at the time of their first-ever stroke and inductively analysed using a rigorous qualitative descriptive approach.Results: Many unmet care needs were identified within three emergent themes: inadequately address..