Abstract
Objective
To explore experiences, needs and rehabilitation priorities of patients who had their stroke and the experiences of therapists managing stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design
Exploratory qualitative study.
Setting
Acute, sub-acute and community stroke facilities.
Subjects
Twenty-two participants. Twelve therapists (all female, mean age 38.5 years) and ten patients (9 female, mean age 51.1 years) who were involved in stroke rehabilitation during the pandemic were interviewed.
Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before being analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.
Results
Four main themes demonstrate the modifications in the care system as a result of COVID-19, impact on the stroke patients at different stage, needs and priorities of stroke rehabilitation, and management strategies that have been used in stroke rehabilitation. Remote rehabilitation and self-management strategies were recommended to deliver care for stroke patients. However, therapists seemed unsatisfied with the quality of care delivered and patients suggested face to face delivery of care with proper personal protection equipment to better address their physical and mental health needs.
Conclusion
The findings of this study explored the impact of the pandemic on stroke care from the perspective of the patients and therapists and provides suggestions for improved delivery of care in similar situations. Future research is warranted to examine the long-term effects on people who had inadequate post-stroke rehabilitation during covid pandemic and urgent measures taken to reduce the impact the pandemic has had on the physical and mental issues for these patients.
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
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