Coherence of Stroke Survivors’ Lived Experiences and the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale

Does the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL) Scale capture the lived experiences of stroke survivors during recovery?This qualitative study including 41 participants identified 5 health-related quality of life constructs that are associated with recovery: loss of independence, decreased physical mobility, feelings of shame, fear of uncertainty, and reduced community participation. The SSQOL Scale captured decreased physical mobility and reduced community participation but did not capture the constructs of loss of independence, feelings of shame, and fear of uncertainty.This study suggests that relying solely on the SSQOL Scale to assess patient-centered outcomes may miss important experiences that are associated with quality of life in stroke recovery.

Corresponding Author: Nirupama Yechoor, MD, MSc, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 399 Revolution Dr, Somerville, MA 02145 (nyechoor@mgh.harvard.edu).

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