The impact of stroke practice guidelines on knowledge and practice patterns of acute care health professionals

Current physical therapy practice and implementation factors regarding the evidence-based 'Rehabilitation of Mobility after Stroke (ReMoS)' guideline in Germany: a cross-sectional online survey

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of the current physical therapy practice for German stroke rehabilitation with respect to the 'Rehabilitation of Mobility after Stroke (ReMoS)' guideline recommendations and the associated implementation factors.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional study employing an online survey was performed among German physical therapists in 2019. The survey consisted of three sections with open and closed questions: 1) self-reported use of ReMoS recommendations, 2) barriers of guideline use and 3) socio-demographic characteristics. The benchmark level for guideline adherent physical therapy was set at > 80%.

RESULTS

Data from 170 questionnaires were eligible for analysis. Participants' mean age was 41.6 years, 69.4% were female, while 60.1% had no academic degree. The ReMoS guideline was unknown to 52.9% of the responders. Out of all the 46 ReMoS guideline recommendations, only 'intensive walking training without a treadmill' was reported to be performed in a guideline adherent manner. Respondents usually denied any personal limitations, such as limited knowledge, or that the ReMoS guideline did not fit their routine practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Among German physical therapists, the ReMoS guideline is not well-known and many interventions are not performed as recommended, illustrating the discrepancies between the ReMoS guideline recommendations and current physical therapy practice. Interventions aimed at overcoming this gap should consider both knowledge of existing barriers and facilitators of guideline usage.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was retrospectively registered to the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00026681 ).

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Concurrent Review: Does It Improve Stroke Measure Results?

BACKGROUND

Concurrent review is a quality improvement strategy in which patients are tracked from admission to discharge, and messages are communicated to the responsible physician when quality stroke measures have not been met. There is little research regarding interventions that might influence clinical practice patterns and improvement in compliance with core quality measures. This study sought to evaluate whether concurrent review implementation was associated with change in performance on stroke measure outcome data.

METHODS

Randomly selected charts from 2 hospitals (A and B) during 3 time periods were reviewed. In period 1, neither hospital had a process for concurrent review. In period 2, hospital A, where concurrent review was implemented, was compared with hospital B without this process. In period 3, both hospitals had the process of concurrent review. Information on baseline demographics, insurance status, and length of stay was collected, as well as stroke performance measures.

RESULTS

A total of 620 medical records were reviewed during the 3 time periods. Although the number of beds and annual stroke volume were higher at hospital B, patient characteristics were similar. During period 2, when hospital A implemented concurrent review and hospital B had not, a statistically significant higher compliance with performance in 7 stroke measures occurred in hospital A than in hospital B. In period 3, when both hospitals utilized concurrent review, no statistical significant differences occurred in 7 of the 10 stroke measures.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent review is a quality improvement intervention that increases performance with stroke performance measures.

Poor consistency in evaluating South African adults with neurogenic dysphagia

BACKGROUND

Speech-language therapists are specifically trained in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Incidence of dysphagia following acute stroke is high in South Africa, and health implications can be fatal, making optimal management of this patient population crucial. However, despite training and guidelines for best practice in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke, there are low levels of consistency in these practice patterns.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore the clinical practice activities of speech-language therapists in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Practice activities reviewed included the use and consistency of clinical components and resources utilised. Clinical components were the individual elements evaluated in the clinical evaluation of swallowing (e.g. lip seal, vocal quality, etc.)Methods: The questionnaire used in the study was replicated and adapted from a study increasing content- and criterion-related validity. A narrative literature review determined what practice patterns existed in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults. A pilot study was conducted to increase validity and reliability. Purposive sampling was used by sending a self-administered, electronic questionnaire to members of the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Thirty-eight participants took part in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and the small qualitative component was subjected to textual analysis.

RESULTS

There was high frequency of use of 41% of the clinical components in more than 90% of participants (n = 38). Less than 50% of participants frequently assessed sensory function and gag reflex and used pulse oximetry, cervical auscultation and indirect laryngoscopy. Approximately a third of participants showed high (30.8%), moderate (35.9%) and poor (33.3%) consistency of practice each. Nurses, food and liquids and medical consumables were used usually and always by more than 90% of participants.

CONCLUSION

Infrequent use of clinical components and high variability in clinical practice among speech-language therapists calls for uniform curricula in the clinical evaluation of swallowing at South African universities and for continued professional development post-graduation. Different contexts and patient symptoms contribute towards varied practice; however, there is still a need to improve consistency of practice for quality health care delivery. A research-based policy for the clinical swallowing evaluation for a resource-limited context is also needed.

A case for the implementation of cognitive-communication screenings in acute stroke

PURPOSE

The purpose of this article was to illustrate the importance of the implementation of cognitive-communication screenings in acute stroke and to discuss the need for further research on whether and how these screenings are implemented. Cognitive-communication screenings after stroke are the subject of existing practice guidelines and are supported by accumulated evidence.

METHOD

The author uses an autoethnographic narrative--a tool founded in phenomenology--to provide an in-depth description of the experiences of a family in which one member experienced right-hemispheric stroke. She uses systematic introspection to produce a narrative using literary techniques.

RESULTS

The narrative illustrates the experiences of one family when one of their members has a right-hemisphere stroke, and cognitive-communication impairments are never formally identified by professionals involved in the patient's care.

CONCLUSIONS

The narrative is linked to the published literature and the importance of identifying and managing cognitive-communication impairments after stroke. A model of implementation science is presented as one way to consider the challenges clinicians face when attempting to implement evidence-based practices. The model and examples from other fields show avenues for further research.

Communities of Practice: A Knowledge Translation Tool for Rehabilitation Professionals

Increased attention to evidence-based practice (EBP) among rehabilitation professionals closely corresponds to recent interest in knowledge translation, which connects quality research to rehabilitation practice aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities. Despite the importance of knowledge translation for rehabilitation professionals, the concept is often overlooked or misunderstood. This article provides a brief review of knowledge translation to clarify potential misconceptions. In addition, communities of practice (CoPs) are introduced as a specific tool for knowledge translation. An overview of CoPs and guidelines for design, development, and use are reviewed. The flexibility and common ownership of CoPs provide an ideal approach for rehabilitation researchers, practitioners, and consumers to work together to develop knowledge and effective practice guidelines.

Does the clinical practice guideline on Parkinson's disease change health outcomes? A cluster randomized controlled trial

The successful transfer of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) into patient care depends on the appropriateness of the implementation method. This study strived for a better understanding of which intervention strategy is effective in implementing the CPG on Parkinson's disease (CPG-PD). In a cluster randomized controlled trial, we compared the impact of two different implementation strategies of the CPG-PD on health outcomes of PD patients. The primary outcome of health-related quality of life was measured by PDQ-39. The neurologists of the intervention group (IG) versus a control group (CG) received the CPG-PD with special instructions, a 4-h training and were offered personal feedback. Patients were followed over three assessment times: baseline, post-test (6 months) and follow-up (9 months). Lack of time and remuneration resulted in low study participation (32 out of 619 contacted neurologists). Multilevel modelling revealed that primary (PDQ-39) and secondary efficacy variables (EQ-5D, CGI, HADS-D, ZUF-8) of 386 patients were not affected significantly by the intervention and failed to show any significant difference between the two groups. The EQ-5D VAS scale (p = 0.0288) and the CGI-P severity scale (p = 0.0072) showed a significant worsening over time. A significant decrease of hours of dyskinesias in the IG (p = 0.007) was observed, whereas Parkinson symptoms did not change significantly between the groups. Lacking awareness of the CPG-PD seems to be no longer a barrier for its use, but it is still a major challenge to find effective implementation methods to optimise clinical outcome. Further studies are needed for a more comprehensive understanding of successful implementation strategies.

A systematic review of nursing rehabilitation of stroke patients with aphasia

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To explore the evidence on rehabilitation of stroke patients with aphasia in relation to nursing care, focusing on the following themes: (1) the identification of aphasia, (2) the effectiveness of speech-language interventions.

BACKGROUND

Patients with poststroke aphasia have higher mortality rates and worse functional outcome than patients without aphasia. Nurses are well aware of aphasia and the associated problems for patients with stroke because they have daily contact with them. The challenge is to provide evidence-based care directed at the aphasia. Although rehabilitation stroke guidelines are available, they do not address the caregiving of nurses to patients with aphasia.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHOD

Published studies were reviewed, focusing on identification and treatment of aphasic patients after stroke in terms of the consequences for nursing care. Also, data concerning effective speech-language interventions were extrapolated into nursing practice with respect to the classification of nursing interventions.

RESULTS

Intensive speech-language therapy, which was initiated in the acute stage post stroke, showed the best rehabilitation outcomes. Trained persons other than speech-language therapists provided effective speech-language interventions. Speech-language therapy included several types of intervention that met nursing intervention classifications.

CONCLUSION

The contribution of nursing to the rehabilitation of patients with aphasia is relevant. The use of screening instruments by nurses can increase early detection of aphasia, a precondition for initiating timely speech-language therapy. Collaboration between speech-language therapists and nurses is of the utmost importance for increasing the intensity and functionality of speech-language exercises, which may enhance the quality of treatment.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings of this study can be used to develop nursing rehabilitation guidelines for stroke patients with aphasia. Further research is necessary to explore the feasibility of using such guidelines in clinical nursing practice and to examine the experiences of patients with nursing interventions directed at aphasia.

Attitudes and barriers to clinical practice guidelines in general and to the guideline on Parkinson's disease. A National Survey of German neurologists in private practice

Although much progress has been made in the development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), there are few strategies for dissemination and implementation of these guidelines. This study examines the attitudes of neurologists to CPGs and barriers to CPG implementation, with a particular focus on the Parkinson's disease CPG (PD-CPG). A cross-sectional survey was performed in 2007 with a representative sample of 213 neurologists in private practice in Germany. The main outcome measures were the Tunis Attitudinal Scale and barrier assessment of CPGs. In addition, the awareness, applicability, and usefulness of the PD-CPG were assessed. Most of the neurologists agreed that CPGs are intended to improve the quality of care (82.2%; n = 171), are good educational tools (59.4%; n = 120), and are an unbiased synthesis of expert opinion (58.9%; n = 119). The main barriers to guideline implementation were lack of time (39.3%; n = 81), inability to reconcile patient preferences with guideline recommendations (34.3%; n = 71), and lack of awareness (32.5%; n = 67). A total of 187 (88.2%) of the neurologists were aware of the PD-CPG, of whom 163 (92.6%) found it "beneficial" and 173 (94.6%) applied it in daily practice. Nevertheless, only 51 (28.8%) of neurologists considered that the guidelines led to an improvement in the quality of care. However, 63 (32%) favored a special guideline for patients. Qualitative data analysis revealed more positive than negative aspects of the PD-CPG; positive comments included "treatment facilitation", "a stepped therapy schema" and "increasing self-efficacy". Criticism mostly concerned the lack of relevance to everyday practice and the rigidity of the guidelines. Neurologists in private practice have a generally positive attitude to guidelines. The PD-CPG is well-known and often used, but its impact on quality of care is considered to be only modest. Thus, further research is needed to address issues of daily practice in future versions of the PD-CPG and to investigate the effects of implementation at the physician and patient levels.

Development of complex interventions in stroke care: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Stroke care is complex, requiring input from professionals, patients and carers. Identifying and developing appropriate intervention components to meet these complex needs is difficult. The Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework for developing and evaluating 'complex' (nonpharmacological) interventions aims to improve intervention development. This study uses the Framework to review complex interventions in stroke care.

METHODS

Systematic review with multiple search strategies (electronic databases, recent journals, gray literature) was used. The MRC Framework was used to guide the search strategy and assess study quality. 'Complex interventions' were defined as educational/psychosocial interventions to change knowledge, beliefs or behaviors.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies were included: 39 randomized controlled trials (RCT) and 28 other designs. Complex interventions targeted healthcare professionals (17), and patients, carers and the general population (21 targeting primary or secondary prevention; 30 targeting adjustment and recovery after stroke). Compared with recovery studies, primary and secondary prevention studies were significantly less likely to have been evaluated in RCTs. Interventions evaluated in RCTs were significantly less likely to influence primary outcomes (26%) compared with other designs (44%). Theoretical grounding to support intervention choice was reported in 40 studies but only 14 were theoretically 'well developed'; 21 RCTs listed multiple primary outcome measures, with 10 listing 5 or more. Of these only 3 reported considering statistical power before recruitment and none was sufficiently powered.

CONCLUSIONS

Few complex interventions in stroke care have been adequately developed or evaluated. This may explain failures to demonstrate efficacy. In future, greater attention is needed to theoretical development and methodological quality.