Long-term outcome after stroke: A disability-orientated approach

The impact of stroke on both patients and family is extensive. This study describes the degree of disability experienced by both after stroke, with special emphasis given to psychosocial dysfunction. One hundred and sixty-five patients who suffered a stroke in the past 5 years and their proxies filled in a mail-delivered Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). After each SIP category, a 5-point scale was added to determine the extent to which items in that category were experienced as a problem. Also an inventory was made of desired help. Results showed that stroke has a very high impact on everyday functioning, as indicated by a total SIP score of 20. The results showed that psychosocial disabilities arise independent of the degree of physical disabilities, that these problems are chronic, and that they hinder 52% of patients often permanently. It can be argued that in addition to a motor- or function-orientated approach, psychosocial treatment programmes are urgently needed.