71. Reducing uncertainty and regret: People’s treatment decisions after TIA or minor stroke (433)

Josephine Gibson, Vascular Nurse Consultant, Department of Surgery, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Southport, United Kingdom
Co author: Caroline Watkins
jo.gibson@btinternet.com

Abstract:

Background:

After a transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke, people are at high risk for another, perhaps major, cerebrovascular event. The UK National Stroke Strategy (DoH, 2007) has placed great importance on medical and surgical interventions to reduce stroke risk in such individuals. However, little is known about people’s individual responses to the impact of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke.

Aims:

The aims of this study were to explore how people reach decisions about treatment options to reduce their stroke risk in the light of their personal experience and in the context of the scientific evidence, and to explore the effect of anticipated regret in this process. Methods: A qualitative interview-based approach was used with 20 individuals who had had recent TIA or minor stroke. Data were analysed using a grounded theory, constant comparative technique.

Results & discussion:

People’s treatment decisions tended to be deterministic in nature, rather than employing a systematic evidence-based approach. It is proposed that people’s primary aim after TIA is to reduce their perception of uncertainty about the threat of stroke and the potential for regret, rather than to reduce their stroke risk itself.

Conclusions:

The implications of these findings in the context of evidence-based health care will be discussed.

Biography:

I work as a Vascular Nurse Consultant at Southport and have recently been awarded a PhD in Nursing at the University of Central Lancashire. I did my nurse training in Liverpool and still live here.