Using Q methodology to Evaluation a Day Service for Younger Adult Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Q methodology was used in programme evaluation of the Cardiff Day
Service, which was launched in July 1995 specifically for adult stroke
survivors 18-55 years of age. The aim of the Service was to offer
participants an opportunity to identify and pursue meaningful and
realistic situations within the community that would enable them to meet
their personal aspiration, and develop their full potential. The
purpose of this student is its application as a tool for understanding,
evaluating, and extending or redirecting this Day Service. A 41-item Q
set pertaining to perceived benefits of the Cardiff Day Service were
sorted by 18 Helpers, yielding five factors (psychological gains, social
confidence, encourages communication, respite for careers, and sense of
purpose). The Q set sorted by Users was reduced to 33 items, after
pilot testing indicated that users could not concentrate long enough to
complete the longer sort. Seventeen User Q sorts resulted in six factors
(new experiences, feeling valued, social recovery, security, prevents
isolation, and general recovery). The evidence from this aspect of the
programme evaluation suggests that the Service is a welcome initiative,
Reconsideration of its structure led to a suggestion to establish two
distinct branches, one to provide social support and another for
rehabilitation support., Q methodology can continue to provide important
input into the evolution of the Service by addressing questions about
how best to meet the needs of pre-retirement individuals after stroke.