Redefining 'doing something': health professionals' views on their role in the care of stroke patients.
Stroke has traditionally been considered, both by lay people and by many people working within the health services, to be a tragic yet essentially uninteresting condition, possibly because of its associations with old age, chronicity and the widespread perception that very little can be done about it. This study explored health professionals' views about their role in caring for people with stroke, and about what they gained from and contributed to this work. Questionnaires were distributed to staff working on an elderly care unit, a general medical ward and a stroke unit. Nurses and physiotherapists were positive and reported that they had much to offer people with stroke, and many rewards to gain from their work. Occupational therapists reported that in theory they had much to contribute to people with stroke, but in practice lack of resources and staff shortages prevented them from fulfilling their potential. Speech therapists also complained of scarce resources, and of a lack of recognition of their specialty, but felt able to contribute to improving peoples' quality of life. Both psychologists reported that their work with people with stroke was satisfying and stimulating. However, with the exception of the consultant on the stroke unit, doctors reported feeling they had little to offer, and little to gain from working with people with stroke. Therapists on the elderly care unit, and speech therapists in all settings reported difficulties within the multidisciplinary team. Although each profession had different concerns and priorities, the majority seemed to have a positive approach to their work with people with stroke. Similarly, the majority reported that the best thing about their work was when people recovered, although professions defined recovery differently.
Pound
P
P
Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. p.pound@umds.ac.uk
Ebrahim
S
S
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006281:Health Occupations; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D006113:United Kingdom