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The process by which patients become aware of unilateral spatial neglect: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Unilateral spatial neglect (USN), which can occur post-stroke, significantly impacts patients’ daily lives. We explored the process by which patients become aware of the facets of their USN from the acute to subacute phase using a qualitative method. Participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and medical-record surveys were conducted with eight patients with USN and thirty healthcare professionals. We identified three themes regarding the patients’ USN awareness process: inconsistency between present symptoms and perception of the left side, reconsidering the reasons for a vagueness on the left side, and acceptance of neglecting the left side. Additionally, healthcare professionals’ support consisted of four strategies: assessing patients’ perception of stimuli on their left side, compensating for patients’ behaviours, promoting awareness of USN, and promoting activities that involve the use of residual functions after a cerebrovascular accident. Patients with USN gradually became aware of their deficits through interactions with others, and they responded by creating and practicing their own self-developed management strategies. These findings indicate that recovery from USN requires a series of experiences and social interactions. A comprehensive understanding of the process of awareness and adaption to USN from onset to recovery can help provide support for patients with USN.