Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences with Rehabilitation Practices for Patients with Cognitive Impairment after Stroke in North Norway: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background and Aim. Cognitive impairment is a common consequence following stroke. Previous research shows differences in rehabilitation services supporting physical, cognitive, and psychosocial needs. The aim of the current study was to explore health professionals’ experiences with service provision for patients with mild and moderate cognitive impairment after stroke in a North Norwegian context. Methods. A focus group interview with clinicians, coordinators, and leaders involved in stroke survivors’ rehabilitation trajectories was conducted. The group consisted of a strategic selection of participants with diverse professional backgrounds from specialist and primary healthcare services. The transcribed material was analyzed thematically using systematic text condensation based on an inductive, interpretive approach. Results. We found that patients with mild and moderate cognitive impairment after stroke were characterized as a neglected group in rehabilitation services and that neglect was related to both structural and professional issues. First, neglect seemed partly related to the availability of existing healthcare services, which mainly followed up on physical challenges after stroke. Second, cognitive rehabilitation seemed to be less prioritized than other health services, and the established interdisciplinary municipality teams did not seem prepared to follow-up on cognitive issues. Finally, at a professional level, the study reveals the need for building competence in cognitive rehabilitation and having services available in the long run. Conclusion. The study demonstrates the need to increase knowledge concerning cognitive rehabilitation and how rehabilitation trajectories and services should be organized to fulfil stroke survivors’ and carers’ long-term needs.

Patient experiences on the quality of cerebrovascular diseases counselling using digital solutions in hospital—A qualitative research study

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Evidence-based rehabilitation medicine: definition, foundation, practice and development

“…Clinical practice guidelines contribute to optimizing rehabilitation treatments for patients [ 14 , 15 ]. The basis of evidence-based practice lies in the integration of values and preferences of patients [ 16 , 17 ], expertise of healthcare professional [ 18 ] and the best available evidences [ 19 ], collectively providing information for clinical decision-making [ 20 ]. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world evidence expand the evidence and knowledge of treatments [ 21 ].…”

Den Psykologiske Dimension: Rehabiliteringspsykologisk intervention til personer med erhvervet hjerneskade

“…Det er relevant at anvende et gruppeformat, idet rehabiliteringsarbejdet udføres i teams, og grupperne udgøres derfor af de rehabiliterende teams på NCØ, som deltagerne arbejder i. To nyere studier anvendte lignende design (Bogstrand et al, 2022;Domensino et al, 2021). Studiet af Bogstrand og kollegaer (2022) undersøgte rehabiliteringsprofessionelles oplevelse af rehabilitering efter apopleksi, men det specifikke fokus på professionelles oplevelse af psykologisk rehabilitering har ikke tidligere vaeret undersøgt.…”