There is much interest in supporting individuals with long-term conditions to self-manage, due to the potential for improving clinical outcomes and reducing emergency service use. Stroke is a major cause of disability, with ever-increasing numbers of survivors living with its long-term effects. Evidence is emerging which endorses the value of stroke self-management programmes. To improve the support being offered, more needs to be understood about how it is currently provided, how it integrates with rehabilitation, and the factors which influence its delivery .
This research will use ethnographic methods to investigate the provision of self-management support across the stroke pathway in one NHS trust. Additionally, a meta-ethnography will examine the existing qualitative literature on barriers/facilitators to accessing self-management for long term conditions.
Findings will be used to gain insight into potential barriers, dilemmas and opportunities for supporting stroke self-management, and how this can be improved.
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