How is sensation impairment of the upper limb post stroke being assessed within the acute setting?
Introductions to Study
Introduction of Self:
Thank you for your consideration in participating in my research study as part of obtaining my Masters degree in Neurological Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy at Flinders University. This is my final year of the Masters degree. I am currently employed as a Grade 2 Occupational Therapist, working on the acute Neurosciences Unit at Monash Medical Centre, hence sparking my interest in this subject.
Study Aims:
Sensory impairment in the upper limb is common after stroke negatively impacting overall recovery. Occupational Therapists play an important role in the assessment and treatment of sensory impairment post stroke. At present the assessment of sensation within the acute setting is not well known. Given the importance of early intervention, thorough assessment during acute admission is essential to identify impairment and subsequently tailor appropriate outcome that will lead to improved functional outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to identify the barriers and enablers for the assessment of sensory impairment in patients post stroke within acute care.
Population of interest:
Occupational Therapists who are working in or have previously worked in an acute stroke unit within the past 2 years.
Anticipated Clinical Usefulness of Study:
It is expected that the results of this study will inform the development of a Quality Improvement project to increase the quality of sensory assessment and subsequently improve functional outcomes for patients post stroke.
What’s involved?
Occupational Therapists nationwide are invited to participate in a survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V88QNZ5
If you are a Melbourne based therapist, you will also be invited to participate in a focus group. Please email me directly Danielle.byrne@monashhealth.org if you would like the opportunity to participate in focus group to discuss in greater detail this subject.
Time Commitment:
It is anticipated that if you are participating in the on line survey, this will take 10-15 minutes to complete. If you are participating in the focus group you will be required to attend for an hour session.
This project has been approved by Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee