Occupational Therapists’ Identification, Assessment, and Treatment of Unilateral Spatial Neglect During Stroke Rehabilitation in Canada

Abstract

Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a disabling feature of stroke, and its identification and management are critical for optimizing patient outcomes. This study examined USN problem identification, assessment, and treatment among clinicians working in stroke rehabilitation. This report was based on a Canada-wide survey of 253 occupational therapists providing inpatient stroke rehabilitation. Eighty percent (n=202) recognized USN as a potential problem, 27% (n=67) reported using standardized USN assessment tools, and 58% (n=147) indicated using USN interventions. Working on a stroke unit and younger age were among the variables explaining 7% to 19% of the variability in USN problem identification, assessment, and intervention use. Although USN problem identification was high, clinicians were unlikely to use standardized assessment tools or evidence-based interventions to effectively manage this serious impairment.