Research-based evidence in stroke rehabilitation: an investigation of its implementation by physiotherapists and occupational therapists

Abstract

Although the therapists recognize evidence-based practice as a framework for achieving quality in rehabilitation, findings suggest that they do not employ research-based evidence to the fullest extent. Implications for Rehabilitation In order to individualize the rehabilitation offered, more attention and focus on involving and giving words to patients' expectations, perceptions, experiences, and perspectives is needed. With the intention of enabling meaningful participation the health professionals need to pay more attention to the importance of environmental factors. Both guidelines and clinical practice should consider all components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health when formulating, and implementing, recommendations in rehabilitation praxis in order to aim for rehabilitation that is based both on evidence and a holistic approach.

Increasing the uptake of stroke upper limb guideline recommendations with occupational therapists and physiotherapists. A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework

“…Our findings on therapists’ attitudes towards guideline implementation suggest a number of possible explanations for the observed low adherence to recommendations for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke that is seen internationally (Kristensen et al , ; McHugh, Swain, & Jenkinson, ; Stroke Foundation, ). Barriers identified included difficulty in selecting the most appropriate intervention to use, as well as difficulty prioritising between interventions.…”

“….and that's a really big enabler and the group definitely helps' Social influences Accountability to peers 'I was put into a role where the project was to implement e-stim. recommendations for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke that is seen internationally (Kristensen et al, 2016;McHugh, Swain, & Jenkinson, 2014;Stroke Foundation, 2016). Barriers identified included difficulty in selecting the most appropriate intervention to use, as well as difficulty prioritising between interventions.…”

“…Clinical practice guidelines are widely accepted as ‘best practice’ (Kristensen, Ytterberg, Jones, & Lund, ; Munce et al , ; Scurlock‐Evans, Upton, & Upton, ; Stroke Foundation, ; Upton, Stephens, Williams, & Scurlock‐Evans, ). Guidelines for stroke rehabilitation were designed to improve rehabilitation practices and assist clinicians in decision making regarding which interventions to provide when (Jolliffe, Lannin, Cadilhac, & Hoffmann, ; Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party, ; Stroke Foundation, ).…”

Designing Motivating Interactive Balance and Walking Training for Stroke Survivors

“…and lead an independent life. After discharge, most of this rehabilitation occurs at home, through performing different types of exercises and activities, such as training in activities of daily living, strength training, cardio-vascular training, balance training, gait training and postural control [4].…”

Interactive Balance and Walking Training for Stroke Survivors

“…Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation independent life. After discharge, most of this rehabilitation occurs at home, through performing different types of exercises and activities, such as training in activities of daily living, strength training, cardio-vascular training, balance training, gait training and postural control [4].…”