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Publications

Journal Article Scoping Review Systematic Review Epublish

PubMed: 42947682 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2026.1861343

Understanding the impact of unmet needs on the health and wellbeing of people with stroke, living in the community: a scoping review of reviews.

Front Neurol 17:1861343

Authors: Susan Hillier, Carol McKinstry, Dominique A Cadilhac, Hanan Khalil, Anna Joy, Leeanne M Carey

Affiliations

  • IIMPACT, Adelaide University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
  • Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, VIC, Australia.
  • Violet Vines Marshman Centre for Rural Health Research, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
  • Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
  • Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.
  • Department of Public Heath, School of Psychology and Public Health, and Care Economy Research Institute (CERI), La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
  • Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia. Occupational Therapy, School Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Frankston, VIC, Australia.
  • Occupational Therapy, School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport and Care Economy Research Institute (CERI), La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia. Neurorehabilitation and Recovery, The Florey, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Recovery from stroke may often be incomplete, with unresolved issues persisting as unmet needs. However, the impact of these needs on both the health and wellbeing of people with stroke, subgroups, and their carers remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review of reviews aimed to provide an overview of evidence on unmet needs and their impact on the wellbeing of people living in the community with stroke.

METHODS

Relevant databases (14) were searched from 2,000 onwards and included systematic, scoping, and umbrella reviews meeting criteria related to population, concept, and context, and reporting quantitative and/or qualitative data.

RESULTS

Over 620 studies (including repeated studies across reviews) and 3.5 million participants were described in 28 eligible reviews. The needs and impacts were wide-ranging for the population as a whole and for sub-groups, e.g., with specific impairments (communication issues) or demographics (younger people who may have had a stroke or people who are culturally and linguistically diverse). No one framework covers the diversity of impacts on health and wellbeing-physical, emotional, and psychological health, as well as issues of relationships, inclusion, engagement, meaning, cultural and spiritual needs, financial, and other environmental domains.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide important, often ignored insights and direction for people with stroke generally, as well as sub-groups. Ultimately, services and research should operate at multiple levels and address quality-of-life impacts, including social integration, sense of self, and life purpose.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

Review protocol registration: https://osf.io/efut8/.

MeSH

Stroke