Skip to main content

Table 3 Taxonomy of patient capacity in stroke

From: A conceptual model of treatment burden and patient capacity in stroke

Type of patient capacity

Factor affecting patient capacity

Personal attributes

• Positive characteristics e.g. resilience, independence, patience, humour and determination.

• Negative characteristics e.g. disorganisation, poor engagement with health services, worry, frustration.

• Knowledge and past experiences e.g. of stroke or other illnesses.

• Practical capabilities e.g. physical, visual, hearing.

• Cognitive capabilities e.g. memory, problem solving.

• Skill set e.g. internet use.

Support network

• Friends and family that give practical and emotional support such as information gathering, medications and transport to appointments.

• Volunteers / charities.

• Support groups and other stroke patients.

• Employment that provides a support network.

Financial status

• Financial struggles e.g. loss of income, delay in benefits.

• Ability to pay for own mobility aids, adaptations, private healthcare or home care.

Life workload

• Co-morbidities.

• Employment.

• Dependants e.g. spouse, children.

Environment

• Geographical location e.g. distance from hospital and transport links.

• Home environment e.g. stairs, access to house.

• Availability of aids or gadgets.