INTRODUCTION Stroke is a major contributor to mortality and mor- bidity rates worldwide 1 and, consequently, stroke sur- vivors usually require long-term, professional health care. 2 In Australia, stroke is the second greatest cause of death after coronary heart disease, ahead of cancer and other sequelae. Given the ageing population in this country, the number of people dying from stroke and suffering permanent disability is likely to increase in the future. 3,4 The number of older persons with stroke is expected to increase 69% by 2016. 3 This problem will be compounded in rural and remote areas as peo- ple in these areas have higher rates of vascular disease and injury than do people living in cities. 5 Stroke has a profound effect on all stroke survivors, including those who have recovered cognitively. More specifically, stroke survivors may suffer a dramatic decline in their leisure and social activities that are incongruent with their levels of physical functioning. 6 Stroke survivors may experience lower than normal health-related quality of life as a consequence of cog- nitive difficulties and depression. 1 This depression is thought to impact on functional recovery and the stroke survivors’ participation in social activities. Additionally, the level of disability following stroke affects overall family functioning, with depression further impacting on family functioning and quality of life. 7 Research teams studying the impact of stroke need to consider multiple ways of understanding this issue as studies have indicated that measurement outcomes alone do not accurately reflect the experience of suf- fering a stroke. 8 For example, Pound et al. state that although much is known about a stroke survivor’s diminished functional ability, little is known about what this diminished function means to the stroke survivor. 9 Specifically, diminished social contact and the loss of valued roles embedded in everyday functions are not easily captured using standard outcome measures. The study by Pound et al. explored the experience of living with and being treated for the residual effects of a stroke. 9 Their results suggested that a comprehensive picture is needed so that health service providers are better able to address stroke survivors’ needs in a mean- ingful way. Their findings were supported by Burton, who found that as well as support that focused on reha- bilitation related to physical functioning, stroke sur- vivors required support that would assist them to cope with and adapt to their new lifestyle. 10 The aim of the present study was to explore and describe the impact of stroke on survivors of the con- dition and to identify their physical and psychosocial needs in rural and regional settings. Focus group inter- views were conducted in order to obtain the data. This study was part of a larger study that also included the completion of three survey instruments. However, the results of the survey instruments are not reported here. METHODS This exploratory study was conducted in the south- west region of Victoria, Australia. Participants were recruited using a sample of convenience and snow- balling procedures. 11 Specifically, the sample consisted of stroke survivors living in the south-west region of Victoria, who responded to a newspaper advertisement or who heard about the study through contact with J. Qual. Clin. Practice (2001) 21, 120–125 Recovery after stroke: A qualitative perspective BEV O’CONNELL,* RN, PHD, FRCNA, BARBARA HANNA, RN, PHD, WENDY PENNEY, RN, MN, JULIAN PEARCE, RN, MN, FRCNA, MARTIN OWEN, RN, BN(HONS), PHIL WARELOW, RN, MN School of Nursing, Deakin University, Waterfront Campus, Geelong, Victoria 3217, Australia (Email: bevoconn@deakin.edu.au) Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of stroke on survivors of the condition and to identify their physical and psychosocial needs in rural and regional settings. Data were collected via focus group interviews with stroke survivors, carers and key informants. Data were managed using NUD*IST and analysed using a content analysis method identifying major themes related to the impact of living in the community after having a stroke. It was found that stroke survivors suffered severe physical and emotional effects. The findings also identified the vulnerability of this group and a lack of organised, on-going psychosocial and rehabilitative support. Recommendations are made to enhance the current management of stroke after the acute and subacute phases. Key words: carer needs; education; stroke; stroke rehabilitation; stroke survivor. *Correspondence