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Bennett KJ, Leese J, Davis JC, Eng JJ, Liu-Ambrose T. Exploring the experience of cognitive changes among community-dwelling stroke survivors: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1870-1877. [PMID: 37212368 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2210309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cognitive deficits are common among stroke survivors and impact their functional independence. Despite the prevalence of cognitive deficits after stroke, cognitive function is largely overlooked in post-stroke care. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of individuals living with post-stroke cognitive changes to understand the impact of these changes on their daily lives. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of thirteen community-dwelling adults 50 years and older with chronic stroke who self-identified cognitive changes post-stroke. Interviews were transcribed and an inductive thematic analysis was completed. RESULTS Four key themes were identified: 1) inability to maintain everyday activities; 2) experiencing emotional responses to living with post-stroke cognitive changes; 3) a shrinking social world and; 4) seeking care for cognitive health post-stroke. CONCLUSIONS Post-stroke cognitive changes were described by participants as a driving force behind negative shifts in their daily lives, emotional health, and social connections after stroke. Despite seeking care for their post-stroke cognitive changes, many participants were unable to find support in mainstream healthcare. There is a demonstrated need to further elucidate the gaps in care for post-stroke cognitive deficits and implement community interventions targeting cognitive health post-stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Bennett
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jenny Leese
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Centre for Implementation Research at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Davis
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Applied Health Economics Laboratory, Faculty of Management, University of British Columbia-Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
| | - Janice J Eng
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Rehabilitation Research Program, G. F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART at Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Kann MR, Zeiger PJ, Rizer SJ, Cosentino S, Azar M. Virtual Assessment as a Way to Reduce Help-seeking Barriers in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2023; 37:373-378. [PMID: 37738277 PMCID: PMC10719961 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a potential early marker for neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, is common among older adults. Although it is often regarded as a personal health concern, most individuals with SCD do not seek help from a health care professional. Help-seeking (HS) is a complex, individualized process with significant life-course implications, and older adults often face several barriers to HS across personal, socioeconomic, and cultural domains. The pandemic exacerbated these barriers by imposing additional limitations on in-person care. In response, virtual assessment became a popular method to conduct remote care. We provide a narrative review of the challenges and triumphs that came with the transition from in-person, pen-paper cognitive assessments to virtual cognitive assessments. In addition, we address the impact virtual assessment had in tackling barriers that previously limited individuals with SCD from formal HS. We argue that virtual cognitive assessment helps alleviate health access barriers to HS (e.g., cost, transportation, and physician availability) and allows individuals with different coping styles to undergo assessment within more convenient environments. We hope the findings presented in this review inform health care practice, public education, and future research targeted towards the use of virtual assessment to facilitate HS in older adults with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Kann
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, G.H. Sergievsky Center, and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Peter J Zeiger
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Sandra J Rizer
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, G.H. Sergievsky Center, and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Stephanie Cosentino
- Cognitive Neuroscience Division, Department of Neurology, G.H. Sergievsky Center, and Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center
| | - Martina Azar
- Psychology Department, VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA
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O’ Donoghue M, Boland P, Leahy S, Galvin R, McManus J, Lisiecka D, Hayes S. Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and delivery of a cognitive rehabilitation intervention for people post-stroke. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269961. [PMID: 35709170 PMCID: PMC9202836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment, there is uncertainty regarding optimum interventions to improve cognitive function in people post-stroke. The aim of this study is to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and development of a multidisciplinary intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits in people post-stroke. Materials and methods Audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were employed with people post-stroke, caregivers, healthcare professionals and academics. All transcribed interviews were exported to NVivo software and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Thirty interviews were conducted across stakeholder groups including people post-stroke (n = 10), caregivers (n = 5), healthcare professionals (n = 14) and academics (n = 1). Four themes relevant to the design and development of the intervention were identified (i) engagement in the intervention must be meaningful, (ii) the point of readiness to engage, (iii) a familiar but flexible setting is key (iv) pragmatics of intervention delivery. Conclusions These findings present new perspectives across stakeholder groups on the design and delivery of an intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits in people post-stroke. Taken together with existing quantitative evidence, these findings will inform the development of a feasibility trial, examining patient and process outcomes, to rehabilitate cognitive deficits post-stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairéad O’ Donoghue
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Pauline Boland
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Leahy
- Department of Sport, Exercise & Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Galway, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - John McManus
- Consultant in Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, University Hospital Limerick, Limerick City, Ireland
| | - Dominika Lisiecka
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, School of Health and Social Sciences, Munster Technological University Kerry Campus, Tralee, Kerry, Ireland
| | - Sara Hayes
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Ball EL, Mead GE, Tang EYH, Religa D, Quinn TJ, Shenkin SD. Informing Patients with Acute Stroke About their Risk of Dementia: A Survey of UK Healthcare Professionals. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106279. [PMID: 35032758 PMCID: PMC8849345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.106279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are generally aware of risk factors for post-stroke dementia. HCPs do not routinely discuss dementia risk with patients at time of stroke. HCPs said carers were more likely than patients to ask about risk of dementia. HCPs think it could be helpful to discuss risk of dementia at the time of stroke. HCPs think that 1-6 months after stroke was the best time to discuss risk of dementia.
Objectives Cognitive problems following stroke are of key concern to stroke survivors. Discussing risk of dementia at the time of stroke could have implications for follow-up care. However, informing someone who has just had a stroke about risk of dementia could cause distress. This survey explored healthcare professionals’ views on discussing risk of post-stroke dementia at the time of stroke. Materials and methods This online survey was aimed at all UK healthcare professionals who care for patients with stroke. The survey was distributed via the mailing lists of seven professional stroke-related organisations and Twitter. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise findings. Results Sixty healthcare professionals completed the survey. Healthcare professionals were aware of the main risk factors associated with post-stroke dementia (e.g. previous stroke, age). Most respondents (N=34/60, 57%) thought that patients with acute stroke would benefit from knowing if they are at high risk of dementia, and 75% (N=45/60) agreed that carers would benefit. Despite this, the majority of healthcare professionals (N=47/53, 89%) who cared for patients with acute stroke in the past year said they rarely/never discussed dementia with their patients. Most respondents (N=46/60, 77%) thought risk of dementia should be discussed 1-6 months post-stroke. Conclusion Although healthcare professionals felt it would be helpful to discuss risk of post-stroke dementia, in practice, most said that they rarely or never discussed this with their patients. Stroke survivors could benefit from a healthcare system that offers appropriate follow-up care and support to patients at high risk of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Ball
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - Gillian E Mead
- Geriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
| | - Eugene Y H Tang
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, England.
| | - Dorota Religa
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Terence J Quinn
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
| | - Susan D Shenkin
- Geriatric Medicine, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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O' Donoghue M, Boland P, Leahy S, Galvin R, Hayes S. Exploring the perspectives of key stakeholders on the design and delivery of an intervention to rehabilitate people with cognitive deficits post-stroke. HRB Open Res 2021; 3:93. [PMID: 38385122 PMCID: PMC10879761 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13184.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Cognitive impairment is common post-stroke and can result in negative sequalae such as a lower quality of life, increased carer burden and increased healthcare costs. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment, there is uncertainty regarding the optimum intervention to improve cognitive function post-stroke. By exploring the perspectives of people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals on cognitive impairment, this qualitative study aims to inform the design and development of an intervention to rehabilitate cognitive impairment post-stroke. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach will be applied, using semi-structured interviews with people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals. People post-stroke will be recruited via gatekeepers from a local stroke support group and Headway, a brain injury support service. Carers will be recruited via a gatekeeper from a local carers branch. Healthcare professionals will be recruited via gatekeepers from relevant neurological sites and via Twitter. The final number of participants recruited will be guided by information power. Data will be collectively analysed and synthesised using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines will be used to standardize the conduct and reporting of the research. Conclusions: It is anticipated that exploring the perspectives of people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals on cognitive impairment post-stroke will inform the development of an evidence-based optimal intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits post-stroke. This study was granted ethical approval from the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Limerick. Study findings will be disseminated locally through presentations at stroke support groups, as well as internationally through academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairéad O' Donoghue
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
| | - Pauline Boland
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Leahy
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
| | - Rose Galvin
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
| | - Sara Hayes
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
- Ageing Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, V94 X5K6, Ireland
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O' Donoghue M, Boland P, Leahy S, Galvin R, Hayes S. Exploring the perspectives of people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals to inform the development of an intervention to improve cognitive impairment post-stroke. HRB Open Res 2020. [DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13184.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Cognitive impairment is common post-stroke and can result in negative sequalae such as a lower quality of life, increased carer burden and increased healthcare costs. Despite the prevalence and associated burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment, there is uncertainty regarding the optimum intervention to improve cognitive function post-stroke. By exploring the perspectives of people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals on cognitive impairment, this qualitative study aims to inform the design and development of an intervention to rehabilitate cognitive impairment post-stroke. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach will be applied, using semi-structured interviews with people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals. People post-stroke will be recruited via gatekeepers from a local stroke support group and Headway, a brain injury support service. Carers will be recruited via a gatekeeper from a local carers branch. Healthcare professionals will be recruited via gatekeepers from relevant neurological sites and via Twitter. The final number of participants recruited will be guided by information power. Data will be collectively analysed and synthesised using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines will be used to standardize the conduct and reporting of the research. Conclusions: It is anticipated that exploring the perspectives of people post-stroke, carers and healthcare professionals on cognitive impairment post-stroke will inform the development of an evidence-based optimal intervention to rehabilitate cognitive deficits post-stroke. This study was granted ethical approval from the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee at the University of Limerick. Study findings will be disseminated locally through presentations at stroke support groups, as well as internationally through academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
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Tang EYH, Price C, Stephan BCM, Robinson L, Exley C. Impact of Memory Problems Post-stroke on Patients and Their Family Carers: A Qualitative Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:267. [PMID: 32637417 PMCID: PMC7317277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Memory problems post-stroke are common and for some, these problems could then progress to a dementia illness. Once in the community, stroke-survivors are looked after by their family doctors although there is evidence that these patients may struggle to access appropriate help in the community for these problems. Although a stroke-survivor may be physically capable of performing daily tasks, they and their families may have to learn to manage and adapt to their new memory deficits. There is often less focus on cognitive recovery post-stroke from clinical services perhaps because of the lack of awareness and evidence of these adaptations. There is also good evidence that organized stroke care improves physical recovery but no equivalent evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation. The aim of this qualitative study was to report the impact of memory problems on the stroke-survivor and their family once they are living in the community. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients and family carers to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences. Participants were invited to take part in an interview at around six and 12-months post-stroke. A topic guide was developed to explore participant's care experiences post-stroke when they have also presented with memory difficulties. Data collection and analysis were iterative; all transcripts were anonymized. The data were thematically analyzed. Results: Twenty-two interviews were conducted. Five family carers and ten stroke-survivors were interviewed at six-months post-stroke, of these eight stroke-survivors and four family carers agreed to a 12-month follow-up interview. They identified several areas of impact: (1) impact on daily life; (2) emotional impact; and (3) compensating strategies implemented in response to impact. Conclusion: Living with stroke combined with memory impairment can have negative effects on the stroke-survivor and their family once in the community. Health professionals and services in the community need to recognize the burden of managing symptoms post-stroke for these individuals and their families. Understanding the impact can enable more effective community and specialist support to be provided particularly if we were to also identify those who may then be at risk of a future dementia illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Y H Tang
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Price
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Blossom C M Stephan
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Innovation Park, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Exley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Panzeri A, Rossi Ferrario S, Vidotto G. Interventions for Psychological Health of Stroke Caregivers: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2045. [PMID: 31551881 PMCID: PMC6743500 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The increasing number of stroke patients (SPs) requires informal caregivers to bear a high burden of responsibilities and heavy (di)stress. Moreover, these issues could lead to the development of serious psychological problems (e.g., depressive and/or anxious) that in turn could give rise to poor health-related quality of life outcomes. However, although the value of psychological interventions has been widely recognized for SPs, the scientific literature lacks an updated synthesis of interventions addressing the psychological health of their caregivers. Aim: The aim of this review is to summarize the interventions for the psychological health of stroke caregivers and provide a resume of literature-based evidence of their efficacy. Method: A literature review from 2005 to date was conducted in three online databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria for studies were (A) English language, (B) caregivers and patients aged 18 years or above, (C) SP's caregiver beneficiating of a specific intervention, and (D) outcome measures addressing depressive and/or anxiety symptomology, quality of life, well-being, or burden. Results: Across the selected 45 studies, substantial differences are observable in three main categories: (a) type of intervention (b) techniques, and (c) operators. Interventions' advantages and results are discussed. Overall, studies using psychological techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, coping skill-training, and problem-solving therapy, showed their usefulness and efficacy in reducing the caregivers' depressive and anxious symptoms, and burden. Interventions led by psychologists and tailored to meet caregivers' specific needs showed more positive outcomes. Conclusion: This review underlines the usefulness of psychological interventions aimed at reducing the psychological burden, such as anxious and depressive symptomatology, of SPs' informal caregivers. Hence, psychological interventions for caregivers should be integrated as part of the stroke rehabilitation process to improve informal caregivers' and patients' quality of life and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Panzeri
- Psychology and Neuropsychology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Veruno, Italy
- General Psychology Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Rossi Ferrario
- Psychology and Neuropsychology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Veruno, Italy
| | - Giulio Vidotto
- General Psychology Department, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Tang E, Exley C, Price C, Stephan B, Robinson L. The views of public and clinician stakeholders on risk assessment tools for post-stroke dementia: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025586. [PMID: 30918033 PMCID: PMC6475139 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stroke-survivors are at increased risk of future dementia. Assessment to identify those at high risk of developing a disease using predictive scores has been utilised in different areas of medicine. A number of risk assessment scores for dementia have been developed but none has been recommended for use clinically. The aim of this qualitative study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a risk assessment tool to predict post-stroke dementia. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed thematically. The patients and carers were offered interviews at around 6 (baseline) and 12 (follow-up) months post-stroke; clinicians were interviewed once. SETTING The study was conducted in the North-East of England with stroke patients, family carers and healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-nine interviews were conducted (17 clinicians and 15 stroke patients and their carers at baseline. Twelve stroke patients and their carers were interviewed at follow-up, some interviews were conducted in pairs). RESULTS Barriers and facilitators to risk assessment were discussed. For the patients and carers the focus for facilitators were based on the outcomes of risk assessment for example assistance with preparation, diagnosis and for reassurance. For clinicians, facilitators were focused on the process that is, familiarity in primary care, resource availability in secondary care and collaborative care. For barriers, both groups focused on the outcome including for example, the anxiety generated from a potential diagnosis of dementia. For the patients/carers a further barrier included concerns about how it may affect their recovery. For clinicians there were concerns about limited interventions and how it would be different from standard care. CONCLUSIONS Risk assessment for dementia post-stroke presents challenges given the ramifications of a potential diagnosis of dementia. Attention needs to be given to how information is communicated and strategies developed to support the patients and carers if risk assessment is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Tang
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Catherine Exley
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Christopher Price
- Institute of Neuroscience, Stroke Research Group, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Blossom Stephan
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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