Perceived needs of caregivers of stroke patients’ receiving out-patient physiotherapy treatment in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Caregivers of stroke patients have needs that should be addressed. The aim of this study was to gain information regarding the expressed needs of informal caregivers of stroke patients who are receiving out-patient physiotherapy treatment at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A qualitative study, using indepth interviews, was carried out to collect data regarding the needs of these caregivers. Ten caregivers formed the study sample. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed into themes that emerged from the data. Five themes relating to the needs of the care-givers emerged following the analysis of the data. These included: the lack of information regarding stroke; the need for skills training to enable the caregiver to assist the patient at home; the need for financial support; a need for home-based therapy and the need for physical assistance when caring for patients at home. The caregivers of patients need more information regarding strokes as well as a community-based rather than an institution-based approach to rehabilitation.  Rehabilitation professionals in Zambia could use the information gained from this study to implement rehabilitation programmes, which wouldaddress the needs of caregivers in that country