Patient readiness for risk-reduction education and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack

Abstract

Purpose

Patient readiness for secondary prevention and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is not well understood. Understanding patient perspectives about the timing and delivery of secondary prevention education is essential to promote meaningful risk factor reduction in this population.

Materials and methods

A single, semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with ten individuals (7 male, 3 female) within three months following a transient ischemic attack. Interviews explored transient ischemic attack experiences and post-event education. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Individuals had a variety of experiences with secondary prevention education. Four themes emerged from these experiences including “what the hell happened?”, “I mustn’t have been quite ready”, “what should I be doing?” and “we all see it in different ways.” Individual knowledge, personal experience of transient ischemic attack, socio-environmental factors, and the format and content of education influenced patient readiness to receive secondary prevention education and adopt lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Readiness for risk-reduction education and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is individual and complex. Logistical factors including the location, time, and cost of education, timing of education delivery, and patient perspectives should be considered in the development and delivery of secondary prevention interventions for these people.

Implications for rehabilitation

• Risk reduction and lifestyle change following transient ischemic attack is vital to prevent recurrent stroke.

• Patients are ready to receive risk reduction and lifestyle advice approximately one week after their transient ischemic attack.

• Programs designed to provide risk reduction and lifestyle education should be informed by the unique requirements of this population.

• Uptake of participation in secondary prevention programs may be maximized by offering flexibility in terms of timing post-event and modes of delivery (e.g. Telehealth).

Keywords:

• Transient ischemic attack
• stroke
• secondary prevention
• education
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the participants of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

CE is supported by a Heart Foundation of Australia Future Leaders Fellowship (#101177). HJ is supported by a New South Wales Health Early-Mid Career Research Fellowship. The University of Newcastle Priority Research Center for Stroke and Brain Injury provided funds for interview transcription. This study was also supported by NSW Ministry of Health.