Challenges in performing a structured follow-up in Swedish nursing home residents after stroke: a pilot feasibility study

Abstract

Multidisciplinary team-based follow-ups are recommended for all stroke patients in Sweden including those discharged to nursing homes. We aimed to explore the feasibility of a structured follow-up with the Post Stroke Checklist (PSC) in nursing home residents, and to map stroke related problems and planned interventions. Due to a complex recruitment process and low recruitment rate, the study protocol was adapted to an explorative design. Nine health professionals and five nursing home residents participated. The health professionals were generally satisfied with the PSC. Many stroke related problems were identified, and several inexpensive ongoing or planned interventions were considered. However, several obstacles for performing a routine structured stroke follow-up were identified, such as lack of coordination between different stakeholders, fear of increased paperwork and lack of referral options for some of the suggested interventions, indicating that there is a need to build up a suitable organization able to take action for the identified problems. Various hinders performing the study itself were also identified. Difficulties in recruiting physically and mentally frail participants in studies might lead to an inadequate basis for decision-making, hindering people with extensive disabilities to receive scientifically based interventions.