Moloczij, N.

Purpose: This study was designed to explore the concept of recovery from the perspectives of stroke survivors and informal carers. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the main factors that are perceived to contribute to recovery after stroke. Method: Data were obtained via focus groups using semistructured questionnaires. One focus group included all participants (n = 14). This was followed by separate focus groups for stroke survivors (n = 8) and informal carers (n = 6).

Reports about the impact of caring vary widely, but a consistent finding is that the role is influenced (for better or worse) by how formal services respond to, and work with informal carers and of course the cared for person. We aimed to explore the connection between informal and formal cares and identify how a positive connection or interface might be developed and maintained. We undertook a qualitative descriptive study with focus groups and individual interviews with informal carers, formal care service providers and representatives from carer advocacy groups.