The needs and difficulties during the return to work after a stroke: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

PurposeTo describe which needs and difficulties are experienced by stroke patients and caregivers regarding their return to work and to synthesise the lived experiences of stroke patients and caregivers.Materials and methodsA systematic review and metasynthesis was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Sciences and PsycInfo, in according to the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research. Studies eligible for the review had to fulfil the following inclusion criteria: qualitative studies, stroke patients and their caregivers in a working age (approximately from 18 to 65 years old), discharged from the hospital.ResultsThirty-eight studies involving stroke patients and caregivers were included in this review. For the stroke patients' group, three main themes were identified: (a) Towards the future; (b) Professional support in return to work; and (c) return to work and employment perspective, while for caregivers two main themes were: (a) daily life challenges and role overload; and (b) employment challenges.ConclusionsIntegrating public employment, social and health services, support for job placement, return to work, and social participation of stroke patients should be more supported in individual rehabilitation programs to help stroke survivors and caregivers in their return-to-work process. A program for returning to work after stroke should be developed as part of neurorehabilitation.Stroke survivors and caregivers need psychological and social support during rehabilitation.Integrating public employment, social and health services, support for job placement, return to work, and social participation would help stroke survivors and caregivers in the return-to-work process.