Hare, R. Et Al

BACKGROUND: Previous research has focused on the longer term needs of 'new' stroke patients at fixed time intervals after the event, but neglected those of stroke patients who may have had the event many years earlier.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the long-term support needs of patients with prevalent stroke, and their carers identified from practice stroke registers.

DESIGN OF STUDY: Patients and their carers were invited to attend focus groups at the university, a nursing home or in the community.