Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Faircloth CA, Boylstein CA, Van Puymbroeck. Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods: An Interdisciplinary Approach. Paper presented at: Evidence-Based Rehabilitation Joint Annual Conference; 2004 Sep 12; Ponte Vedra, FL.




Abstract:

Abstract from 'Bodily Changes and Sense of Self Post-Stroke', submitted for this panelObjectives:The purpose of this study was to analyze how patients experience bodily changes post-stroke and how these changes affect sense of self. Managing disabilities following discharge home after stroke creates a situation where a sense of self is altered as bodily functions change. Methods:Data were collected from an ongoing multi-site study in VISN 8. A total of 51 veterans between the ages of 46 to 84 were interviewed at one month post-discharge. To be eligible for the study, each veteran had to be able to participate in a semi-structured qualitative interview and be discharged home with a caregiver. The interviews were transcribed and imported into N6, a computer-assisted qualitative analysis software program. Grounded theory was used to identify themes and patterns in the data.Results:Analyses indicate that patients experienced significant changes in sense of self and their own bodily functions. Two primary patterns of experiences will be described: (1) Adapting and managing changes related to the body not responding in usual ways; and (2) Adapting to a changed sense of self following a stroke. Conclusions:Changes in bodily functions and the loss of taken-for-granted assumptions about the body alter the way people see themselves. These changes are important processes of recovery that are often ignored in rehabilitation. Implications:Rehabilitation programs that focus on functional recovery without concern for changes in sense of self may fail to address a significant process in the patient's recovery. These findings provide important insights that can help clinicians understand psychosocial processes following stroke.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.