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Somatosensory assessment and treatment after stroke: An evidence-practice gap.
- Source :
- Australian Occupational Therapy Journal; Apr2015, Vol. 62 Issue 2, p93-104, 12p
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Background/aim Loss of body sensations is common after stroke, impacting negatively on recovery and performance of activities of daily living. Despite advances in the evidence for the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post-stroke, the translation from research into clinical practice has been slow. The aim of this study was to determine current clinical practice of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post-stroke. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered online survey of occupational therapists and physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients in Australian health organisations, identified through an audit of stroke rehabilitation services and a professional member association. Results 172 clinicians, 62.8% occupational therapists and 37.2% physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients completed the survey. Most respondents (93.0%) indicated routinely assessing for sensory loss in stroke clients. The most commonly used measures were light touch and proprioception, with the majority (70.4%) not using standardised measures. Most respondents (97.7%) reported providing treatment to address sensory impairment, with compensatory strategies and sensory re-education the two most frequently reported. Evidence-based treatment choices were not common and therapists frequently relied on colleagues' opinions and previous experience to inform practice. Therapists commonly experienced barriers to implementing evidence-based sensory rehabilitation, including time constraints, large caseloads and lack of access to evidence-based somatosensory assessment and treatment resources. Conclusions Most therapists perceived somatosensory assessment and treatment as important. However, frequently utilised methods lack a sound theoretical or empirical basis. Despite published evidence regarding somatosensory assessment and treatment, an evidence-practice gap exists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- AUDITING
COMMUNITY health services
FUNCTIONAL assessment
HOME care services
PSYCHOLOGY of movement
OCCUPATIONAL therapists
OCCUPATIONAL therapy services
PHYSICAL therapists
PROPRIOCEPTION
QUESTIONNAIRES
REHABILITATION
REHABILITATION centers
RESEARCH evaluation
SCALE analysis (Psychology)
SENSES
SENSORIMOTOR integration
STROKE
SURVEYS
INFORMATION resources
EVIDENCE-based medicine
DECISION making in clinical medicine
ACTIVITIES of daily living
EDUCATIONAL attainment
CROSS-sectional method
DATA analysis software
WORK experience (Employment)
STROKE rehabilitation
DESCRIPTIVE statistics
DISEASE complications
SOMATOSENSORY disorders
DIAGNOSIS
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00450766
- Volume :
- 62
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Australian Occupational Therapy Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 103788147
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12170