22. European Stroke Conference 843 Rehabilitation and reorganisation after stroke Long-term unmet needs of community dwelling stroke survivors and carers in Australia N.E. Andrew1, M. Kilkenny2, R. Naylor3, T. Purvis4, D.A. Cadilhac5 Monash University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA1, Monash University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA2, National Stroke Foundation, Australia, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA3, Monash University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA4, Monash University / Florey Institute of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Mel-bourne, 792 © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel Scientific Programme AUSTRALIA5 Background: Despite the recognised need to support stroke survivors and carers living in the com-munity, research in this area is limited. Knowing how best to address long-term needs for stroke is also unclear. We aimed to identify and describe the breadth of self-reported unmet needs in commu-nity dwelling stroke survivors and carers. Methods: The Australian Stroke Survivor and Carer Needs survey was modified from a survey used for stroke survivors in the United Kingdom. The assessed range of survivor and carer ‘needs’ cov-ered 6 domains: health; everyday living; work; leisure; social support; and finances. Adults 12+ months post-stroke and living in the community were eligible to participate. A multifaceted sam-pling strategy with direct and indirect methods was used. Descriptive statistics presented. Results: 1152 Australians responded (765 survivors 62% male, median age 68 years and 387 car-ers 26% male, median age 64 years). Most survivors (84%) reported one or more partially met or unmet need and 56% reported at least one unmet need. The median number of unmet/partially met needs was 4 (Q1, Q3: 1, 9) from 20. Unmet health needs were common (84% unmet/partially met) with 75% to 80% being in the areas of concentration, memory, fatigue and emotional problems. 60% of those wanting to return to work and 64% wanting to return to leisure activities reported related unmet/partially met needs. Young survivors (< 65 years) and those with more disability reported greater levels of unmet needs. Carers also reported large impacts, with half reporting moderate to extreme changes in their work and leisure activities and one quarter not receiving enough social sup-port or respite care. Conclusion: Long-term unmet needs are common amongst stroke survivors and carers with psycho-social and cognitive issues the most common. Much work is required to improve the extent to which the needs of stroke survivors and carers living in the community are met to ensure optimal quality of life. 844 Rehabilitation and reorganisation after stroke Withdrawn!
Karger_ESC London_2013
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