Article

PURPOSE: To elucidate how community stroke staff in a major third sector
organisation experienced their role and understood and responded to clients'
psychological needs. METHOD: In stage 1, three focus groups of 28 staff in total
were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Themes
were authenticated by new staff groups. In stage 2, these themes informed the
construction of a questionnaire delivered through the organisation's intranet by
"Survey Monkey". RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the focus groups: background
and context; perceptions of clients' psychological issues; approaches to meeting
psychological needs; the experience of working with psychological needs and
sources of support; aspirations for future development. Four themes were used in
constructing the questionnaire. Responses from 144 staff with diverse
qualifications and experience were received; over half encountered 16 (of 35)
psychological issues at least once per week. Stroke survivors' needs predominated
over carers' needs. Skills used to address psychological problems were
identified, also training and support needs and future aspirations. Support needs
included information, training and access to specialist consultants. CONCLUSIONS:
Psychological issues were central in the work of third sector community stroke
staff; psychological skills were routinely used. Attention to means of supporting
and developing these skills is required. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Service
leaders and commissioners should be aware that third sector community stroke
staff frequently deal with a diverse range of psychological issues and perceive
psychological care as central. Service leaders should consider providing training
in assessment and management of mood and cognition, risk assessment and
management and basic counselling. Staff should be provided with access to
specialist consultation and better information about psychological aspects of
referrals. There is uncertainty about key methods for supporting the delivery of
psychological care (supervision, mentoring and peer support) which requires
consideration.

Langue : ANGLAIS