Lived Experiences of Cerebrovascular Disease Infarct Patient Survivors Under the Care of Brain Attack Team
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22135438Keywords:
Brain Attack Team, cerebrovascular infarction, lived experiences, phenomenology, stroke recovery, transitional careAbstract
This phenomenological exploratory study examined the lived experiences of cerebrovascular disease (CVD) infarct survivors who received care from the Brain Attack Team (BAT) of the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center (BRGHGMC). It specifically explored how survivors described care and treatment during Emergency Room admission, Acute Stroke Unit confinement, and recovery/discharge; identified challenges encountered during recovery; and used the findings as the basis for an intervention program for the BAT. Eight adult ischemic stroke survivors were purposively selected from the BAT registry based on the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were gathered through 45- to 60-minute semi-structured interviews supplemented by observational field notes. Verbatim transcripts were interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis, with member checking, reflexive documentation, and confidentiality safeguards supporting methodological rigor. Findings showed that Emergency Room care was experienced through exceptional compassion, unwavering attention, prompt assistance, and strong reliance on the BAT as both a clinical and psychological anchor. Acute Stroke Unit confinement was characterized by structured rehabilitation, daily exercise, and perceived treatment response. During recovery and discharge, survivors described restoration of well-being, reclaimed autonomy at home, lifestyle modification reinforced by family support, sustained hope through continuing BAT and Stroke Unit support, and positive treatment responses. Recovery nevertheless involved emotional distress, episodes of despair, concerns about physical impairment, limitations in activity, risk-factor monitoring, and increased dependence on family members. The study concludes that effective stroke recovery requires the integration of time-sensitive clinical care with compassionate communication, psychosocial and spiritual support, family-centered discharge preparation, rehabilitation continuity, and patient empowerment. Based on these findings, “Skills Enhancement in Acute Stroke Care: A Structured Capability Training and Upskilling Program for the Brain Attack Team (BAT)” was proposed to strengthen both the technical and human dimensions of stroke care.
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