Stroke Clinicians - Stroke Survivors - Lived Experience. A Glorious Trifecta
As the 2022 Spring Racing Carnival is about to descend upon us this headline seems an appropriate, timely way of introducing the subject/theme of today’s message.
For those of you who are unaware, we are a month away from the Melbourne Cup - “the race that stops a nation”. Also, in Sydney this weekend Everest will be run and won - the world’s richest horse race!
I digress - following my Stroke in 2016, I became aware of three components in what I consider an equally important trifecta!
To borrow a racing term let’s look at the Starters and Riders!
Stroke Clinicians - I am now aware of the 00’s, no 000’s of clinicians who are engaged in research and study worldwide, all with the same objective - to create through their collective efforts, energy, and infinite thirst for knowledge a stroke free world. Respect to each and every one, I declare.
Stroke Survivors – the 000’s of people of all ages, socio-economic groups, ethnic groups who are directly impacted by stroke each year \{in Australia \{419,000 in 3020\}.
These survivors \{an apt nomenclature\} are faced with challenges to their recovery, but who are able in their stoic manner, with the aid of skilled carers and clinicians embark on what is often perpetual rehab journey.
Whilst these survivors undertake their very personal and individualistic journey they can, and many do perform an important- No, A VITAL role in Stroke Research.
Lived Experience - They can provide through their stroke, Lived Experience - the third and vital element that I have described in other written musings as the “knowledge plum on the research cake” or “pavlova.
And that Fellow Time Travellers is The Glorious Trifecta.
You have the opportunity to assist these researchers and clinicians in a unique manner. Only you as a Stroke Survivor can gives the insight of Lived Experience.
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My message to Stroke Survivors - As a Stroke survivor I urge you to get involved. It is very satisfying and is part of my “Giving Back” strategy. Your knowledge/ insights will be welcomed, respected, and valued.
My message to Stroke Clinicians – If it is appropriate, discuss with your Stroke Survivor the benefits that they can give to those researchers and clinicians.
Brian A Beh,
Stroke Survivor
Lifelong Member of the Hopalong Cassidy Fan Club