Health professional’s experiences during stroke care: a focus group study in Greece

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate HPs experiences during stroke care and the way health services providing stroke care in Greece are organized. Materials and Methods This is an exploratory qualitative study with inter-professional focus groups. Nurses and physicians working in various Greek stroke care units were purposively sampled. Results Two focus groups’ interviews with nurses (n=5) and physicians (n=6) were conducted. In relation to the factors that affect stroke care provided by HPs, the covid pandemic, the management of time and patient, and the role of informal carers in the hospital were identified. Positive challenges that help HPs in their work with stroke patients included the quality of collaboration, self-resilience and the patient as a source of power. Regarding difficulties encountered by HPs during stroke care, organizational problems and educational deficiencies were highlighted. Suggestions to improve current clinical practice included education and collaboration among HPs, the need for a specialized stroke team and financial support. Conclusions Awareness concerning the stroke patient’s rehabilitation process after hospital discharge is highly supported by all HPs. The need for HPs specialized education on stroke care and funding for stroke unit structures in hospitals is essential for improving quality of services.