Palliative Care Needs Among Jordanian Women Living with Stroke: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Stroke is a common neurological disease. Women with stroke suffer many physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. Consequently, women living with stroke may have many marginalized palliative care needs as perceived by health care providers. However, the experience of women living with stroke and palliative care needs is understudied in Jordan. Aim: This study aimed to explore the palliative care needs among women living with stroke in Jordan. Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was employed with a purposive sample recruited from twelve women living with stroke Data were collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The Colaizzi (1978) method was used for data analysis. Results: The study revealed three main emerging themes that reflected the palliative care needs of women living with stroke, which are: living with bothersome symptoms, receiving bad news, and spiritual practices, beliefs, and needs. Discussion: This study sheds light on the aspects of Jordanian women with a comprehensive view of all aspects of life after suffering a stroke. The findings suggest that the burden of stroke has far-reaching consequences for women's lives. They have many unmet palliative needs that must be considered in the treatment plan. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the palliative care needs of women. Women's health care needs included physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects. In line with these needs, integrating the palliative care approach with the rehabilitation program should be considered to improve the quality of life and alleviate the pain and further complications after stroke.