Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundStroke patients commonly have impairments associated with reduction in functionality. Among these impairments, the motor impairments are the most prevalent. The functional profile of these patients living in the community who are users of the primary health-care services in Brazil has not yet been establishedObjectiveTo describe the functional profile of stroke patients who are users of the primary health-care services in Brazil, looking at one health-care unit in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil.MethodFrom medical records and home visits, data were collected regarding health status, assistance received following the stroke, personal and environmental contextual factors, function and disability, organized according to the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Test and instruments commonly applied in the assessment of stroke patients were used.ResultsDemographic data from all stroke patients who were users of the health-care unit (n=44, age: 69.23±13.12 years and 67±66.52 months since the stroke) participated of this study. Most subjects presented with disabilities, as changes in emotional function, muscle strength, and mobility, risks of falling during functional activities, negative self-perception of quality of life, and perception of the environment factors were perceived as obstacles. The majority of the patients used the health-care unit to renew drug prescriptions, and did not receive any information on stroke from health professionals, even though patients believed it was important for patients to receive information and to provide clarifications.ConclusionStroke patients who used primary health-care services in Brazil have chronic disabilities and health needs that require continuous health attention from rehabilitation professionals. All of these health needs should be considered by health professionals to provide better management as part of the integral care of stroke patients, as recommended by the clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation.
Highlights
Stroke has a very high incidence and prevalence, and is one the main causes of disability worldwide[1,2]
Clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation recommend the following: systematic follow-up of patients by a multiprofessional team, provision of rehabilitation services[5,6], participation of patients in continued physical exercise programs offered in the community to maintain their function and health, and assessment of patients by rehabilitation professionals at least once a year to verify the need for new interventions[6]
Owing to the different limitations or disabilities presented by the participants, not all of them were able to undergo all tests and measurements
Summary
Stroke has a very high incidence and prevalence, and is one the main causes of disability worldwide[1,2]. 90% of stroke survivors have compromised functions[3,4]. To reduce this impact, it is necessary for health-care professionals, including physical therapists, to provide adequate follow-up and to assistance to patients in recovering their health and functionality, to prevent further diseases and disability, and to promote health and functionality[3,5]. The ICF provides guidelines for the identification of the functional profile of each patient, allowing for the application of the proper approaches and clinical decision-making strategies[8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call