Experiences and perceptions of stroke patients living with dysphagia: A qualitative meta-synthesis

Abstract

Aims: To systematically review and synthesise the findings of qualitative research exploring experiences of dysphagia from stroke patients' perspectives.

Background: Poststroke patients with dysphagia are suffering from impaired physical functions and heavy psychological burden, and they are living with compromised quality of life. Through synthesising qualitative studies to fully portrait the experiences of poststroke patients living with dysphagia, we can care better for this population.

Design: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies reported by following ENTREQ.

Review methods: Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP and Wanfang) were searched from inception until January 2021. Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the experiences of poststroke patients with dysphagia. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method thematic and content analysis.

Results: Five studies were included in the meta-synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: life changes after dysphagia, coping with social events, rebuilding a normal life and limited professional services.

Conclusions: More attention should be given to psychological health and social interaction in poststroke dysphagia patients. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, should make joint efforts to provide patients with dysphagia-related knowledge and long-term individualised support. To improve the quality of life of dysphagia patients, further research should implement high-quality interventions based on dysphagia experience and clinical treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice: These findings outline the changes in poststroke patients with dysphagia. Nurses as the first-line force, should deliver comprehensive and individualised intervention for managing physiological and psychosocial symptoms of patients.

Keywords: dysphagia; experience; meta-synthesis; qualitative research; stroke.