Healthcare professionals' experiences of delivering a stroke Early Supported Discharge service - An example from Ireland.
Elaine O Connor, Eamon Dolan, Frances Horgan and 2 others
PMID 38058183WHAT IT FOUND
Stroke home rehabilitation teams in Ireland were unevenly resourced, with staff shortages and limited psychology access constraining delivery.
Most teams dropped telerehabilitation after COVID, while families needed clearer information and support.
Key findings
01Staff shortages and limited psychology access constrained Early Supported Discharge delivery across Irish teams.
02Most teams abandoned telerehabilitation after the pandemic, preferring face-to-face home therapy.
03Families often needed clearer information about the service, especially after COVID visiting restrictions left them less prepared.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
Only 16 staff were interviewed, and no therapy assistants were included, although therapy assistants were valued. Only one medical social worker, one consultant geriatrician and stroke physician, and one clinical nurse specialist were interviewed. Transcripts were not returned to participants for checking. The study reports experiences, not patient outcomes or service performance. Findings are specific to Irish Early Supported Discharge teams and may not apply in other countries.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the drop in telerehabilitation use as proof that telehealth is ineffective. This study reports healthcare professionals' experiences and preferences, not patient outcomes from a comparison of telehealth and face-to-face therapy.