Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility of administering the Greater Manchester
Stroke Assessment Tool (GM-SAT), a structured evidence-based needs assessment
tool, in a community setting and its acceptability to stroke patients and their
carers. SETTING: Community stroke services. SUBJECTS: One hundred and
thirty-seven stroke patients at six months post hospital discharge with no
communication or cognitive difficulties residing in their own homes.
INTERVENTION: Patients' needs were assessed by information, advice and support
(IAS) coordinators from the UK Stroke Association using the GM-SAT. MAIN
MEASURES: Number and nature of unmet needs identified and actions required to
address these; patient/carer feedback; and IAS coordinator feedback. RESULTS: The
mean number of unmet needs identified was 3 (min 0, max 14; SD 2.5). The most
frequently identified unmet needs related to fatigue (34.3%), memory,
concentration and attention (25.5%), secondary prevention non-lifestyle (21.9%)
and depression (19.0%). It was found that 50.4% of unmet needs could be addressed
through the provision of information and advice. Patients/carers found the
assessment process valuable and IAS coordinators found the GM-SAT easy to use.
CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that the GM-SAT is feasible to administer in the
community using IAS coordinators and is acceptable to patients and their carers,
as well as staff undertaking the assessments. Further research is needed to
determine whether the application of the GM-SAT at six months improves outcomes
for patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS