‘There are things I have learned the hard way’ Patient experiences on lasting challenges 4 months after Transient Ischemic Attack: A qualitative study
Authors: Ebbesen Birgitte Hede , Modrau Boris , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Andreasen Jane 
Published: August 2024

Background

Fatigue, depression, anxiety and cognitive difficulties are reported by 1/3 of patients following transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Aims

To explore the timeline and how the diagnosis impacts individuals experiencing lasting challenges after TIA. Furthermore, to identify what they believed facilitated return to everyday life.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study with a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen patients were included. Four themes were identified; (1) ‘They say it is transient – no, not for me’ where all participants described lasting challenges emphasizing invalidating fatigue and impaired social participation, (2) ‘I am a changed person; how does this impact my future?’ which reflects altered identity and elevated alertness to symptoms, (3) ‘Time has been my ally and new perspectives have evolved’ where most participants described improvement over time and a few considered the diagnosis a wake‐up call to change lifestyle. Lastly (4) ‘What would have helped me recover?’ which unfolds that close, trustful relations influence positively. In addition, the system often failed to support. Participants described pressure to return to work and lack of trust and negative experiences when involving their general practitioner.

Conclusions

During the 4 months since diagnosis, participants experienced limitations impacting physical, psychological and social domains. They felt uninformed that lasting challenges could affect them. Different coping strategies were activated, and participants with close, supportive relations managed better. A pressure to return to work and a lack of trust in the general practitioner affected their recovery negatively. Overall, return to everyday life after TIA was considered stressful and appropriate support lacking.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

To be able to support patients with challenges following TIA, we as healthcare professionals need to understand the identified impact and life changing circumstances. Currently the system seemingly is not able to provide timely, sufficient and competent support.

Impact (Addressing)

What problem did the study address?

We know from the literature that up to 1/3 of patients following transient ischemic attack experience lasting challenges measured on a variety of questionnaires. This is paradoxical to a diagnosis defined by focal neurological symptoms that resolve within 24 h. It is unknown how patients with lasting challenges experience the timeline from diagnosis and until 4 months after, how the diagnosis impacts the lives of these individuals, and what they believe as beneficial in returning to their everyday life.

What were the main findings?

These participants with self‐reported lasting challenges experienced substantial impacts on physical, psychological and social domains. Further, they felt alone with their struggles and when in need of support from the healthcare system, it failed to provide this. A pressure to return to work and a lack of trust in the general practitioner affected return to everyday life negatively, whereas close and supportive relations facilitated positively.

Where and on whom will the research have an impact?

This study will have an impact on the healthcare professionals that provide support and the (limited) follow‐up services to patients after TIA. These healthcare professionals are often specialized nurses who need to know what these patients experience and need in order to act upon their struggles and provide timely support.

Reporting Method

The Standards of Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR).

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients with TIA was involved in planning this study. They participated in a panel to plan a prospective observational cohort study and emphasized the importance of exploring the subjective perspectives of impact and prognosis for those patients struggling in a longer term (through qualitative interviews).