System induced setbacks in stroke recovery

This study reports research on the experiences of stroke survivors and thei r informal carers who are receiving stroke services in the community. As pa rt of a qualitative evaluation of a Pilot Community Stroke Service in Notti ngham, England, interviews were conducted with stroke survivors, their fami lies and friends, alongside interviews with the managers and professionals providing the service. The findings from the interview data were compared a cross cases and with findings from analyses of documentary data such as cli ents' individual plans, and participant observational data, such as those o f team meetings. Data analysis revealed that of the 57 survivors, 13 had su ffered setbacks that were a direct consequence of their interactions with h ealth and social care services and were system induced. This paper introduc es and discusses the concept of the system induced setback by exploring the experiences of these 13 survivors. Implications for understanding the inte rplay of service provision and disease process are highlighted.