Understanding the Lived Experience of the Stroke Patient: A Guide for Health Professionals

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of the lived experiences of stroke patients, interwoven with healthcare professional expertise to provide evidence-based guidance for nurses and other healthcare professionals. It aims to enhance clinical practice and promote patient-centred care by bridging theory with real-world application. Edited by a team that integrates academic, professional and personal experience of stroke, the book ensures that the patient perspective remains central throughout. This approach enables healthcare professionals, students and those living with the consequences of stroke to develop a deeper understanding of stroke's clinical, emotional and social impact, reinforcing the significance of compassionate and informed care in improving patient outcomes. This textbook offers a comprehensive exploration of stroke care, with contextual chapters that examine the nature of strokes, psychological and cognitive challenges and safe environments. Subsequent sections focus on specific Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as eating and drinking, sleeping and communication which provide targeted insights into everyday functional recovery. To enhance learning transfer to clinical practice, the chapters incorporate reflective activities and questions, along with key knowledge summaries. Designed for nurses and allied health professionals, this resource serves as an essential learning tool for those new to stroke care while offering valuable insights for stroke survivors and experienced practitioners seeking to refine their approach to care delivery.