Maintaining hope after a disabling stroke: A longitudinal qualitative study of patients' experiences, views, information needs and approaches towards making treatment decisions.

Stroke survivors may benefit from psychological support. A collaborative approach towards treatment decision-making may not be realistic in all patients especially when they may be emotionally distressed and looking to maintain a positive outlook. Communication strategies to balance maintaining hope without providing false hope may be appropriate. Patients' information needs may need reassessed at different time points.