Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40204303›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2025

Informal caregiving following stroke: a qualitative exploration of carer self-identification, care-related language and support experiences.

Bethany Harcourt, Richard Brown, Audrey Bowen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Bethany HarcourtDivision of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK b.harcourt@sky.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0009-7122-3133
Richard BrownDivision of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Audrey BowenDivision of Psychology and Mental Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4075-1215

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesFollowing a stroke, people often receive informal care from friends and family. Some carers adopt the role quickly, whereas others find it more difficult to see themselves as a 'carer' and do not access relevant support. To understand the process of how and when informal carers start to see themselves as such, and their preferred terminology and experiences of support in this role.

designThe study adopted an exploratory qualitative design, collecting data through semistructured interviews with participants and a brief survey of participant demographics. Data were analysed thematically using a template analysis approach. Patient, carer and public involvement collaboration, through a formed carer advisory group, enhanced the study methodology.

settingThe project was a nationwide study, with participants residing across the UK. The study took place from September 2021 to April 2024.

participants18 adults (aged 18 years and above) who had provided care or support to a friend or family member after a stroke that occurred at least 1 year prior to participation completed the study.

resultsFive main themes were developed: (

conclusionsIndividuals identify as 'carers' at different points and to different extents throughout the stroke trajectory. Findings outline the factors that facilitate this self-identification process and those which constitute challenges to adjusting to the role. Recommendations are made relating to the accessibility of support for informal carers of stroke survivors, including: use of more accessible and inclusive care-related language, educational needs relating to what a 'carer' is and involvement of carers and wider family in the rehabilitation process.

Indexed as

CaregiversSocial SupportStrokeAdultAgedAged, 80 and overFamilyFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicLanguageMaleMiddle AgedQualitative ResearchUnited KingdomCaregiver BurdenCaregiversFamilyStrokeStroke medicine

Identifiers

PMID40204303
PMCPMC11987141

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.