Physiotherapy after stroke in Ireland: a qualitative insight into the patients' and physiotherapists' experience

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the experience of inpatient physiotherapy intervention delivered after stroke in Ireland from two different perspectives: that of the person with stroke and that of the physiotherapist. A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 10 people with stroke and two focus groups with 10 senior physiotherapists working in the area of neurology. All transcriptions were analysed using the grounded theory approach. People with stroke and physiotherapists agreed that people with stroke could benefit from more physiotherapy than is routinely provided in the rehabilitation setting. However, the timing of the intervention was disputed. Family-mediated exercise therapy was identified as an acceptable adjunct to routine physiotherapy after stroke. People with stroke identified walking and lower-extremity exercises as the most important components of their programme. Furthermore, they identified honesty and encouragement as two important traits in a physiotherapist working with people with stroke. Obtaining the perspective of patients is an important and valuable way of evaluating healthcare services. Physiotherapists need to be cognizant of the elements of rehabilitation that are important to people with stroke. Methods of delivery of stroke care need to evolve and incorporate families not only for practical purposes but also from a psychological aspect. Family-assisted exercise therapy after stroke may enhance the carry-over outside formal physiotherapy, giving patients and their families the opportunity to maximize recovery.