Exploring self-management within hospital-based stroke care: current and future opportunities

Abstract

Purpose This study explored stroke self-management within a tertiary hospital setting from the perspectives of health professionals working across the continuum of stroke care. Materials and methods A qualitative descriptive design guided five focus groups in the acute stroke service (n = 2), inpatient rehabilitation (n = 2), and outpatient day hospital service (n = 1). Focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Twenty-eight health professionals participated representing medical, nursing, and allied health services. Two themes emerged from the data: Pieces of the puzzle illustrates the inconsistent understanding about self-management with elements of the puzzle described but rarely within the full concept of self-management; Readiness for self-management highlighted that although self-management should commence in the acute setting, there were many factors influencing why this was not always happening. Conclusions A consistent conceptualisation and approach to stroke self-management in the hospital setting is required. Interprofessional education and shared intentional language can enhance understanding and practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Understanding and application of stroke self-management varies among members of hospital-based stroke teams. Health professionals working in hospital-based stroke care should use the term self-management with their patients. Education of healthcare teams is necessary to develop knowledge about self-management and develop consistent practices across the continuum of care.