Background: stroke is a major cause of disability and death, globally. Many stroke survivors live with disabilities, requiring significant caregiving support. Caregivers often feel unprepared and burdened, experiencing isolation and health declines. Their well-being and involvement in discharge planning impact post-discharge care quality. Purpose: to investigate the experiences of caregivers of older stroke survivors regarding their expectations in the care pathway during the transitional home program, as this phenomenon is currently understudied in the present context. Methods: by employing a qualitative design, this study utilized a phenomenological approach developed by Cohen. Eighteen caregivers of stroke survivors participated. Findings: four main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the sense of loss experienced by stroke survivors and perceived by caregivers; (2) the importance of social support in the recovery and well-being of both stroke survivors and caregivers; (3) the increased workload of caregivers; and (4) the lack of awareness of the needs during the transition, leading to resignation when facing complications. Conclusion: the findings highlight the significant impact of stroke on caregivers, affecting both the individual characteristics and social relationships of stroke survivors and their caregivers. There is a need for a nuanced understanding of caregivers’ roles and responsibilities.

Background/Objectives: Mental disorders in nursing students, although very common under normal circumstances, have worsened over time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess (1) what the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Italian nursing students was and (2) what factors were associated with them. Methods: In May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on the bachelor’s degree Nursing course in an Italian university. Levels of anxiety and stress were assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. In addition, socio-demographic variables and data on mental health, drug intake, and substance use were collected. Multiple binary logistic regression adjusted analyses were used to identify predictive factors. Results: A total of 148 nursing students completed the questionnaire. A total of 9.5% reported a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder, and, of these, 35.7% reported that it was diagnosed after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 score was 9.68 (SD = 5.2) and 8.37 (SD = 5.6), respectively. Protective factors for depressive symptoms included not having a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (adjusted odds ratio = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.002–0.47, p < 0.001) and a perceived high (adjusted odds ratio = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.003–0.22 p < 0.001) or medium (adjusted odds ratio = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03–0.82, p < 0.05) socioeconomic level, while the predictor of anxiety symptoms was returning home once a month for students studying away from their residence (adjusted odds ratio = 6.4, 95% CI: 1.01–40.8, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Urgent investments are needed in universities to implement mental health promotion programmes and to offer counselling services to reduce and prevent mental health problems among students.

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and substantially affects the quality of life (QoL) of both survivors and their caregivers. The transition from hospital to home is a vulnerable period characterized by discontinuity of care and insufficient caregiver support. Dyadic interventions—targeting both the survivor and caregiver—have shown promise in improving recovery outcomes. This protocol outlines a mixed-methods study to evaluate the impact of a video-based training intervention on the stroke survivor–caregiver dyad during the first year post-discharge. Methods: A mixed-methods design based on the TIDieR checklist will be implemented. Stroke survivors and their caregivers will be recruited from stroke units and rehabilitation hospitals across Italy prior to discharge. Approximately 150 dyads will receive a video training intervention followed by nurse-led transitional care support. Assessments will occur at baseline (T0) and at 1 (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3), and 12 months (T4) post-discharge. Outcomes will include physical functioning, disability, anxiety, depression, caregiver preparedness, burden, social support, sleep quality, and both generic and stroke-specific QoL. The study is supported by a grant from the Centre of Excellence for Nursing Scholarship, Rome, July 2024. Conclusions: Integrating caregivers into transitional care through structured training and support is essential for improving dyadic outcomes after stroke. Strengthening knowledge and preparedness in both survivors and caregivers enhances recovery, reduces caregiver burden, and may alleviate healthcare system costs associated with poor post-discharge outcomes.

Aims: Stroke survivors (SS) face significant challenges during their transition from hospital to home, impacting both their own well-being and that of their caregivers. Informal caregivers, often family members, assume substantial caregiving roles without professional training, leading to emotional strain and caregiver burden. Understanding the experiences of caregivers during this critical transitional period is essential for developing targeted interventions that alleviate burden and improve caregiving outcomes. This study aims to provide a comprehensive, multidimensional understanding of SS caregivers’ experiences during the transitional care phase, using Automatic Analysis of Textual Data to uncover complex relationships and hidden patterns in caregivers’ narratives. Methods and results: A qualitative design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 18 SS caregivers. Data were analysed using Automatic Analysis of Textual Data, applying Exploratory Multidimensional Data Analysis to identify key themes and interconnections within caregivers’ experiences. Findings revealed five central themes: the role of social support, the need for practical support, pre-discharge preparation, practical daily challenges, and emotional strain. Social support and practical assistance emerged as crucial factors in reducing emotional burden. Caregivers emphasized the importance of pre-discharge training and clear instructions to navigate the transition. The analysis revealed the interdependence between practical and emotional caregiving demands, highlighting the need for integrated, holistic support systems. Conclusion: This study underscores the complex, multidimensional nature of caregiving during the transition from hospital to home. Results suggest that effective caregiving interventions must address both practical and emotional aspects, integrating preparation, social support, and practical assistance to enhance caregiver resilience and reduce burden.

Strokes are a significant contributor to disability and mortality globally, affecting millions of people annually. The transitional phase from hospital to home presents various challenges for stroke survivors, affecting their physical, psychological, and social well-being. To evaluate the lived experiences of stroke survivors during their return home, understanding their needs, challenges, and the resources required for a smooth transition. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, combining descriptive and interpretative methodologies. Nineteen stroke survivors were recruited in Tuscany, Italy, from July 1 to August 31, 2023 and interviewed within 30 days of hospital discharge. Interviews were conducted, focusing on experiences during discharge, difficulties encountered upon returning home, support needed, and preparation for returning home. Data analysis involved rigorous transcription, independent immersion in the data by researchers, and thematic extraction. Four main themes emerged from the analysis: 1) The Homeward Odyssey; 2) A New Dawn: perspectives on Rehabilitation Continuity; 3) Isolated at Home: the solitary journey of stroke survivors; 4) The Shades of Life. The study offers valuable information on the experiences of stroke survivors during the transition from hospital to home, who face multiple challenges, including physical impairment, psychological distress, and social isolation. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive transitional care and support services to address the complex needs of stroke survivors, including specialized care, rehabilitation continuity, and psychosocial support. Nurses play a crucial role in assessing and addressing the needs of stroke survivors, highlighting the importance of practical support skills and access to expert staff. More research and interventions are needed to improve the quality of care and support for stroke survivors during the transition period.

To explore and compare the experiences and perceptions of stroke survivors and caregivers during the transition period from hospital to home. A qualitative study was conducted involving face-to-face interviews with 19 stroke survivors and 18 caregivers, to explore their experience with the transition from hospital to home, adopting Automatic Analysis of Textual Data for data analysis. The sample was recruited from neurology wards in Italy. Data collection focused on participants' experiences, needs, and challenges of participants during the transition period. Ethical approval and participant consent were obtained. The findings revealed distinct but interconnected experiences of stroke survivors and caregivers. Stroke survivors primarily expressed physical and emotional struggles, while caregivers highlighted the need for preparation and support. Key themes included the critical role of pre-discharge planning, the impact of social support on recovery, and the shared burden of transitioning to new routines. Hierarchical descending classification identified eight thematic domains, underscoring the complexity of transition care needs. This study emphasizes the importance of individualized and integrated transitional care interventions that address the diverse needs of stroke survivors and caregivers. The innovative use of AATD provided deeper insight into their shared and unique experiences, advocating for tailored strategies to enhance recovery and quality of life.