<![CDATA[Family members and lay bystanders are often the first to recognise stroke signs and determine whether emergency care is sought promptly. FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) simplifies symptom recognition, but improved knowledge does not necessarily translate into sustained action. To synthesise peer-reviewed primary evidence published from 1 January 2019 to 29 August 2026 on FAST and related stroke-education strategies among families and lay populations, and to interpret the findings using the Health Promotion Model (HPM). A structured narrative synthesis was conducted with reference to PRISMA 2020, SWiM, and PRISMA-S elements. Eligible studies were English-language primary reports published within the specified 2019–2026 period. Randomised studies were appraised with RoB 2 and non-randomised studies with appropriate JBI tools. Twenty-five primary reports represented 23 independent study/data units. Improvements were most consistent for knowledge and symptom recognition. Directly measured family attitudes were rarely assessed; preparedness or intention improved in several studies, mainly at short follow-up, whereas actual behaviours such as EMS/ambulance activation and earlier hospital arrival were heterogeneous and context-dependent. FAST is a useful core recognition message, while HPM is best positioned as a framework for developing interventions that address perceived benefits and barriers, self-efficacy, interpersonal and situational influences, and commitment to action.]]>
