Adaptation Processes of Survivors and Informal Caregivers after Stroke: A Scoping Review through the Lens of Educational Sciences

Abstract

Background Systematic knowledge about stroke adaptation can be a useful tool to develop evidence-based policies and practices centered on survivors and informal caregivers.

Purpose This scoping review summarizes the body of knowledge about the adaptation processes after stroke.

Methods Based on PRISMA-ScR guidelines, databases were searched, in November 2021, and 14 studies were included. The qualitative findings were inductively synthesized. The quantitative results were included in the taxonomy of categories and themes of the qualitative analysis.

Results The adaptation processes after stroke are constituted by psychosocial and structural adaptation. The emotional distress, the use of emotional-based coping strategies, the received social support, the role and relationship changes, and the social participation were central factors of the psychosocial adaptation. Regarding the structural adaptation, the use of problem-solving based coping strategies; the centrality of the caregiving role; the learning processes; and the changes in daily life activities were reported.

Discussion Health education research and interventions after stroke should consider the role of adaptative coping strategies, social support networks and services, and long-term educational policies.

Translation to Health Education Practice: This work will assist Health educators and researchers to deeper understand the adaptation after stroke, identify knowledge gaps, and define further research issues.