Mrs Lidia Davies1,2, Assoc Prof Robyn O'Halloran3, Dr Lucette Lanyon3
1Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia, 2La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia, 3Centre of Research Excellence for Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
Biography:
Lidia Davies is a senior clinician at Barwon Health (VIC, Australia), working predominantly in the areas of neurological rehabilitation and palliative care within the organisation’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Centre. She has over 25 years’ experience working in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Lidia recently completed her Master of Science by research at La Trobe University (Melbourne). Her thesis explored the role of speech pathology weekend service within the sub-acute inpatient stroke rehabilitation setting.
Abstract:
Background:
An allied health weekend service in sub-acute inpatient stroke rehabilitation can improve patient and organisational outcomes. However, there is limited evidence to justify the role of a speech pathology weekend service in this setting.
Aims:
To explore the perspectives of people with stroke with an acquired swallowing and/or communication disorder to (1) identify what’s important in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation service and (2) determine whether a speech pathology weekend service can contribute to meeting these perceived needs.
Method:
Using a generic qualitative research approach, people with stroke who received rehabilitation for their communication and/or swallowing impairments during their inpatient rehabilitation admission were invited to participate in a 1:1 semi-structured interview. Interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Outcomes:
Six people with stroke were interviewed. Two main themes described participants’ perspectives of important elements of their speech pathology inpatient rehabilitation: (1) “recovering from my stroke” reflecting participants’ rehabilitation program and their individual progress, and (2) “supporting my wellbeing”, describing the value of social connections, rest periods, and engagement in meaningful activities outside of scheduled therapy sessions. Although some participants supported the inclusion of a speech pathology weekend service, the perceived need for time allocated to their wellbeing and social connectedness was also highlighted.
Conclusion:
In this preliminary study, weekends were perceived to provide both the opportunity for additional therapy and to support access to rest, social connections and social-based activities. This study’s findings have important implications for the development of an SLT weekend service in inpatient stroke rehabilitation.