Is group- based upper limb therapy for stroke patients feasible in an acute setting? A mixed methods study
Jessica Kearney1, Celia Marston1Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Abstract
Introduction: Best practice supports early, high intensity upper limb (UL) therapy for patients following a stroke or neurological event. This is difficult to deliver in an acute hospital setting. A purpose built stroke ward offered opportunity to deliver group-based therapy and address the gap in best practice. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of group UL therapy in an acute model of care.
Method: A mixed methods implementation research design was used to evaluate a once weekly group-based UL therapy led by occupational therapy on a stroke/neurology ward at a major hospital. During a seven-month intervention period, patient and staff feedback was gathered via paper and electronic surveys and thematically analysed. Purposively sampling occurred and data saturation reached. A retrospective audit was completed of electronic medical records to collect clinical and service data and quantitatively analysed.
Results: Patients who participated in the UL group (n=26), allied health (n=10) and nursing (n=14) staff on the ward were recruited to the study. On average, 79% of patients referred attended the group. Patients received an additional 89 minutes UL therapy time with average group attendance over an inpatient stay of 1.48 times. Survey data revealed that both staff and patient viewed the upper limb group as satisfactory and suitable within an acute model of care.
Conclusion: Group upper limb therapy is feasible within an acute setting, allowing for greater therapy provision and efficient use of resources. Further evaluation is needed of impact on patients UL outcomes to determine the optimal intervention dosage.
Biography
Jessica Kearney is a Grade 1 Occupational Therapist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. She completed her Master of Occupational Therapy in mid 2021. Jessica has a background in writing and marketing, having completed an undergraduate degree in communications. Jessica has a keen interest in research and aims to continue developing this passion alongside her clinical work.