Article

In Australia, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. For most
stroke survivors, the recovery process is challenging, and in the first few weeks
their recovery is supported with stroke rehabilitation services. Stroke
clinicians are expected to apply an evidence-based approach to stroke
rehabilitation and, in turn, use standardised and validated assessments to
monitor stroke recovery. In 2008, the National Stroke Foundation conducted the
first national audit of Australia's post acute stroke rehabilitation services and
findings identified a vast array of assessments being used by clinicians. This
study undertook a sub-analysis of the audit's assessment tools data with the aim
of making clinically relevant recommendations concerning the validity of the most
frequently selected assessments. METHOD: Data reduction ranked the most
frequently selected assessments across a series of sub-categories. A serial
systematic review of relevant literature using Medline and the Cumulative Index
to Nursing and Allied Health Literature identified post-stroke validity ranking.
RESULTS: The study found that standardised and non-standardised assessments are
currently in use in stroke rehabilitation. It recommends further research in the
sub-categories of strength, visual acuity, dysphagia, continence and nutrition
and found strengths in the sub-categories of balance and mobility, upper limb
function and mood. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to map national usage of
post-stroke assessments and review that usage against the evidence. It generates
new knowledge concerning what assessments we currently use post stroke, what we
should be using and makes some practical post stroke clinical recommendations.

Langue : ANGLAIS