Why the study?
Little was known about patients' experiences, perceptions, and behaviours regarding transient ischaemic attack symptoms, diagnosis, and secondary prevention.
Qualitative synthesis reveals that TIA patients often suffer from persistent anxiety and fatigue while lacking awareness of the importance of secondary prevention.
Post-TIA care should screen for anxiety/fatigue and reinforce prevention education; extends need for targeted support interventions.
Background: A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) diagnosis is a serious, early sign that a person is at high risk of stroke. However, little is known about patients' experiences, perceptions and behaviours regarding TIA symptoms, diagnosis and secondary prevention. Aim: To explore patients' experiences of TIA symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and secondary prevention. Methods: A qualitative review was conducted using a meta-aggregation approach. Five major databases were searched to identify eligible papers. Findings were extracted and grouped into categories to generate synthesised findings. Findings: Four papers (69 participants) were included. Three synthesised findings were developed: The first 24 hours; Impact and effect on quality of life; and Reducing the risk. Following TIA diagnosis, patients may experience persistent anxiety and fatigue, and many patients do not understand the importance of secondary prevention. Conclusion: There is a lack of awareness of TIA symptoms and of the importance of seeking immediate help and engaging with secondary prevention.
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Ravenhill et al. (2019) studied this question.
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