Search

Background The importance of long term rehabilitation for people with stroke is increasingly evident, yet it is not known whether such services can be materialised in countries with limited community resources. In this study, we explored the perception of rehabilitation professionals and people with stroke towards long term stroke rehabilitation services and potential approaches to enable provision of these services. Views from providers and users are important in ensuring whatever strategies developed for long term stroke rehabilitations are feasible and acceptable. Methods Focus group discussions were conducted involving 15 rehabilitation professionals and eight long term stroke survivors. All recorded conversations were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the principles of qualitative research. Results Both groups agreed that people with stroke may benefit from more rehabilitation compared to the amount of rehabilitation services presently provided. Views regarding the unavailability of long term rehabilitation services due to multi-factorial barriers were recognised. The groups also highlighted the urgent need for the establishment of community-based stroke rehabilitation centres. Family-assisted home therapy was viewed as a potential approach to continued rehabilitation for long term stroke survivors, given careful planning to overcome several family-related issues. Conclusions Barriers to the provision of long term stroke rehabilitation services are multi-factorial. Establishment of community-based stroke rehabilitation centres and training family members to conduct home-based therapy are two potential strategies to enable the continuation of rehabilitation for long term stroke survivors.

Materials and methods Practice registry lists at ten public health centres were screened for patients with cerebrovascular accident (CVA) between July and December 2012. Patients aged ≥18 years with recorded diagnosis of CVA either radiographically or by referring physician were recruited. Patients with transient ischaemic attack, traumatic brain injury or isolated nerve palsies were excluded. Details of stroke risk factors and clinical findings at first primary care visit were extracted from case notes and from patient/and carer interviews. Data were analysed for mean, median and proportions.

Background The care of post discharge stroke patients worldwide is fragmented. For developing countries, lack of guidelines upon discharge from tertiary care and access to specialised care complicates provision of optimal care. Albeit shortcomings, primary care continues to provide care in less than favourable circumstances. This study aimed to evaluate practices of Family Medicine Specialists (FMS) in managing post discharge stroke patients at primary care level.