Background and aims Self-management support is important in persons adaptation to a new life after stroke. Significant others often provide a meaningful part of that support. The impact on family members caring for a person after stroke has been extensively studied, however there is a lack of research into significant others’ understanding and experiences of self-management after stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how significant others understand self-management and how they perceive their role in supporting self-management in post-stroke rehabilitation at home.
Method Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 significant others of persons in rehabilitation after stroke. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis.
Results The preliminary results showed that significant others commonly relate self- management to activities of daily living (ADL) and rehabilitation training. Participants saw their role as important not only to assist the stroke survivor practically, but also to provide emotional support and companionship.
Conclusion There is an emerging discrepancy between descriptions in the literature and significant others’ perceptions of and actions to support self-management. If significant others obtained a clearer understanding of the concept of self- management, their support could be more efficient in strengthening self-efficacy and self-management abilities in stroke survivors.
How will this research improve life after stroke for stroke survivors? By highlighting the characteristics of significant others’ self-management support and their understanding of the concept, interventions to enhance self-managementsupport for stroke survivors can be improved in the future.