Feasibility study of a primary care-based model for stroke aftercare.
BACKGROUND
A new primary care model for stroke aftercare has been developed to address the longer-term needs of patients who have had a stroke and their families.


OBJECTIVE
To test the feasibility and acceptability of the new model on patients who have had a stroke and their carers.


METHODS
An observational feasibility study.


METHODS
Patient and carer assessments and interviews conducted in patients' homes.


METHODS
Patients who have had a stroke, and their carers, were assessed using a purposely developed primary care stroke model. Qualified health- and social-care professionals acted as stroke care coordinators and carried out the assessments. Four evaluations were undertaken as part of the study: analysis of care plans, a survey of unmet needs, focus group sessions for staff, and patient/carer interviews.


RESULTS
Forty-seven patients and 21 carers were recruited to the study. Analysis of care plans indicated that the assessment process was successful in identifying patient and carer problems (n = 219). Actions were instigated against 190 of these problems and, at 3 months after the assessment, 75% of the problems had been resolved. Patients/carers thought that the review process would be more valuable if conducted sooner after hospital discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
The model was acceptable to professionals, encouraging them to work in a manner more consistent with the expressed needs of patients and carers who were adjusting to the longer-term impact of stroke. Essential aspects informing the care process were also identified. Further work is now required to investigate the effects of the intervention on patient and carer outcomes.
Murray
Jenni
J
Academic Unit of Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Research, St Luke's Hospital, Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD5 0NA. jenni.murray@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk
Young
John
J
Forster
Anne
A
Herbert
Gill
G
Ashworth
Robert
R
D000359:Aftercare / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D000368:Aged; D017028:Caregivers; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020521:Stroke / Q000628:therapy*