title: Implementing evidence-based stroke Early Supported Discharge services: a qualitative study of challenges, facilitators and impact.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the perspectives of healthcare professionals and commissioners working with a stroke Early Supported Discharge service in relation to: (1) the factors that facilitate or impede the implementation of the service, and (2) the impact of the service.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed by two researchers using a thematic analysis approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two Early Supported Discharge services in Nottinghamshire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Purposive sampling identified 35 key informants including practitioners, managers and commissioners.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The identified facilitators to the implementation of evidence-based services were: (1) the adaptability of the intervention to the healthcare context, (2) the role of rehabilitation assistants and (3) cross-service working arrangements. Perceived challenges included: (1) lack of clarity regarding the referral decision making process, (2) delays in securing social care input and (3) lack of appropriate follow-on services in the region. Most respondents perceived the impact of the services to be: (1) reducing in-hospital stay, (2) aiding the seamless transfer of care from hospital to the community and (3) providing intensive stroke specific therapy. Commissioners called for greater evidence of service impact and clarity regarding where it fits into the stroke pathway.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early Supported Discharge services were perceived as successful in providing home-based, stroke specific rehabilitation. Teams would benefit from capitalising on identified facilitators and developing strategies to address the challenges. The remit and impact of the services should be clear and demonstrable, with teams strengthening links with other health and social care providers.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rehabilitation and Ageing, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
authors.forename: Niki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Chouliara
authors.forename: Rebecca J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Micky
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kerr
authors.forename: Marion F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006302:Health Services Research; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
keywords: Early Supported Discharge; Stroke rehabilitation; evidence-based practice; health services research; qualitative study