Table 3.

Taxonomy of 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.