An exploration into the patient experience of early supported discharge (ESD) after stroke in rural remote Scotland

Abstract

Stroke can have a significant and lasting impact on the lives of stroke survivors, with approximately 14,300 strokes occurring in Scotland each year. The occurrence of stroke is predicted to increase in the United Kingdom over the coming years. This is due to an aging population, and has resulted in stroke care becoming a priority within government policy. As part of stroke rehabilitation, it is recommended that those who have had a mild to moderate stroke should receive early supported discharge where possible. Early supported discharge facilitates an early discharge from hospital, with continued specialist stroke rehabilitation within the patient's home. Rehabilitation within the patient's home is important as it allows the patient to adapt to their new circumstances in their own environment, and allows challenges to be identified at an earlier point in time. Upon reviewing the literature, there is a lack of research which explores the patient's experience of early supported discharge. There is no literature exploring this experience within rural remote Scottish. There is an estimated 1 million people living in rural remote Scotland, and this context presents unique challenges for health care service provision. Therefore, it is important to explore the patient experience of early supported discharge in this unique context. This may contribute to an understanding of how early supported discharge can be provided effectively within rural remote Scotland. Through an interpretive phenomenological design, this research proposal aims to explore the patient experience of early supported discharge within rural remote Scotland. Semistructured interviews will be used to gain an in depth understanding of this patient experience.