Background: Post-stroke fatigue (PSF) is a common symptom after a stroke. Global stroke guidelines recommend the provision of education to manage PSF. However, there are no proven PSF treatments, to date. FASTER (Fatigue After STroke Educational Recovery) quantitatively assessed a group-based, educational intervention for PSF. This study aimed to complement FASTER by using qualitative methods to uncover richer detail of stroke patients’, caregivers’ and therapists’ perceptions of the intervention, thereby extending understanding.
Methods: A qualitative study using focus groups to collect data. A purposeful sample of six stroke patients, their informal caregivers, and three therapists experienced in delivering the intervention participated in one of three online focus groups. Stroke patients were aged ≥18 years with stroke in the past 3-24 months and clinically significant fatigue. Focus groups were audio-recorded, with transcribed data analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: Analysis revealed four key themes: group membership; gaining new understanding and strategies; challenges; and moving forward. Participants highlighted the benefits of the group programme such as education, normalization, cohesion and emotional support. The intervention was considered to provide new learning about PSF and its management. Challenges during the group programme included differing levels of PSF among group members and learning to use new technology due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow-up sessions and combined online and in-person were suggested as improvements.
Conclusion: This study highlights the perceived value of group-based interventions within the community setting to provide new learning to manage PSF for those affected and their caregivers. The qualitative approach revealed benefits not captured by quantitative measures, which could be considered a valuable addition to future trials.