Health Related Quality of Life and support needs for sub-arachnoid haemorrhage survivors in New South Wales Australia.

Background: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is commonly a devastating injury with long lasting physical and psychosocial consequences for survivors. Support after hospital discharge through chronic care services for this patient group is limited. This study aimed to measure Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and needs of survivors after discharge from hospital.

Methods: A population of patients that were diagnosed with SAH were contacted, up to 2 years post discharge, to participate in a postal survey including the Short Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SSQoL-12), a service utilisation questionnaire and attitudes towards participating in a support group.

Findings: There were 28 responders. HRQoL was lowest in the psychosocial domain and particularly in relation to fatigue and memory. Most notably many responders indicated they wanted to be interviewed but a support group was not favoured with few responders (n=11) indicating interest with most in favour of a face to face format (n=10).

Conclusions: HRQoL was reduced particularly in the psychosocial domain. Although there was low utilisation of support services in the post-acute care phase, these patients may benefit from greater opportunities to participate in both physical and psychosocial rehabilitation programs.