Understanding the Needs of Young and Middle-Aged Chinese People Who Have Experienced a Stroke Who Have Not Successfully Returned to Work: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives

The study aims to understand the return to work (RTW) needs of young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke and to contribute to the development of supportive RTW services.

Design

A qualitative study employing the phenomenological method.

Participants

Eleven young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke participated in the study.

Methods

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using Colaizzi's 7-step method to identify and categorize the RTW needs of participants.

Results

The analysis delineated four overarching thematic categories of RTW needs among the participants: self-management needs, emphasizing the regulation of symptoms, health maintenance and recovery planning; social support needs, highlighting the significance of workplace accommodations, professional medical guidance, and emotional encouragement from companions and family; the need for information related to returning to work, which includes accessing resources on rehabilitation opportunities, labour rights and professional consultation services; and personal development needs, focusing on fostering self-worth, identifying growth opportunities and acquiring new skills to adapt to changing professional demands.

Conclusion

The diverse and comprehensive needs of young and middle-aged people who have experienced a stroke underscore the importance of multifaceted support from healthcare professionals. This support should encompass medical, psychological, informational and skill-development aspects and should involve enhanced communication and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to facilitate a successful RTW.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study was designed without direct involvement from patients or the public in the development of the research question, the design of the study, or the conduct of the research. This decision was informed by the specific focus on qualitative experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors regarding their RTW journey, which relied heavily on personal narratives and subjective accounts collected through individual interviews. However, the insights gained from these narratives have been crucial in shaping the research outcomes, emphasizing the patient-centred approach to understanding RTW barriers and facilitators.

Reporting Method

This study followed the SRQR checklist for qualitative studies as its reporting method.