Anhöriga till strokedrabbade

: deras behov av information och stöd: en litteraturstudie

Abstract

Background: When a person suffers a stroke, he/she become dependent on help and the relatives feel that they are involuntarily given responsibility to care for their family member. It is usually a new unknown world that is opening up for the relatives and their need for information is great. Purpose: The purpose of the literature study was to describe the need for information and support that the relatives of those affected by stroke have. Method: A literature review in which 17 scientific articles were reviewed and a content analysis was done according to Forsberg and Wengström. Results: The findings in this study are presented with three main categories: The experience of being carers; Relatives' need for information and support; Factors that affect the flow of information. Most families believe that they had not received adequate and appropriate information during the time their family member was admitted to hospital. This could result in uncertainty and fear within many relatives. Conclusion: It is very important that health professionals give the relatives of stroke victims individualized information and support because they're expected to become their informal carers after discharge.