How is hydration assessed and managed in acute stroke? A qualitative study of healthcare staff's knowledge, attitudes and experiences.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore healthcare staff's experiences of how dehydration is identified and managed in hospitalised patients after acute stroke, and facilitators and challenges to optimising hydration. BACKGROUND: Optimal hydration post-stroke reduces the risk of neurological deterioration and other complications. Patients are at risk of dehydration in acute stroke, particularly those with dysphagia. DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative study reported following the COREQ guidelines. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews, utilising patient vignettes, were conducted in 2018 (Apr-Oct) with a purposive sample of 30 multidisciplinary staff members from two UK stroke units. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis identified common themes which were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel. RESULTS: The themes were mapped to twelve of the fourteen domains in the Theoretical Domains Framework. Participants believed that inadequate hydration management had potentially serious consequences, and described complex knowledge, skills and cognitive elements to effective hydration care. Participants felt that maintaining hydration was a multidisciplinary responsibility requiring good communication. Although the performance of initial dysphagia screening was reinforced by external audit, other areas of post-stroke hydration management were not; notably, there was no established method of assessing hydration. Barriers to maintaining good hydration included lack of staff, out-of-hours working patterns, low priority given to hydration, patients' comorbidities and complex post-stroke disabilities such as dysphagia, aphasia, inattention and hemiparesis. CONCLUSION: Findings highlighted the importance of assessing and maintaining hydration but identified barriers to, and variation in, clinical practice. To provide optimal care, barriers to the prevention and treatment of dehydration after stroke must be further understood and addressed. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Multidisciplinary teamwork is important in hydration care after stroke, but clarity is required about the specific contributions of each team member. Without this, hydration care becomes 'everybody's and nobody's job'.

The effectiveness of quality improvement collaboratives in improving stroke care and the facilitators and barriers to their implementation: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: To successfully reduce the negative impacts of stroke, high-quality health and care practices are needed across the entire stroke care pathway. These practices are not always shared across organisations. Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) offer a unique opportunity for key stakeholders from different organisations to share, learn and 'take home' best practice examples, to support local improvement efforts. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of QICs in improving stroke care and explored the facilitators and barriers to implementing this approach. METHODS: Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to June 2020, and reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were screened. Studies conducted in an adult stroke care setting, which involved multi-professional stroke teams participating in a QIC, were included. Data was extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. For overall effectiveness, a vote-counting method was used. Data regarding facilitators and barriers was extracted and mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). RESULTS: Twenty papers describing twelve QICs used in stroke care were included. QICs varied in their setting, part of the stroke care pathway, and their improvement focus. QIC participation was associated with improvements in clinical processes, but improvements in patient and other outcomes were limited. Key facilitators were inter- and intra-organisational networking, feedback mechanisms, leadership engagement, and access to best practice examples. Key barriers were structural changes during the QIC's active period, lack of organisational support or prioritisation of QIC activities, and insufficient time and resources to participate in QIC activities. Patient and carer involvement, and health inequalities, were rarely considered. CONCLUSIONS: QICs are associated with improving clinical processes in stroke care; however, their short-term nature means uncertainty remains as to whether they benefit patient outcomes. Evidence around using a QIC to achieve system-level change in stroke is equivocal. QIC implementation can be influenced by individual and organisational level factors, and future efforts to improve stroke care using a QIC should be informed by the facilitators and barriers identified. Future research is needed to explore the sustainability of improvements when QIC support is withdrawn. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol registered on PROSPERO ( CRD42020193966 ).

Characteristics of patients who had a stroke not initially identified during emergency prehospital assessment: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Around 25% of patients who had a stroke do not present with typical 'face, arm, speech' symptoms at onset, and are challenging for emergency medical services (EMS) to identify. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the characteristics of acute stroke presentations associated with inaccurate EMS identification (false negatives). METHOD: We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PubMed from 1995 to August 2020 using key terms: stroke, EMS, paramedics, identification and assessment. Studies included: patients who had a stroke or patient records; ≥18 years; any stroke type; prehospital assessment undertaken by health professionals including paramedics or technicians; data reported on prehospital diagnostic accuracy and/or presenting symptoms. Data were extracted and study quality assessed by two researchers using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies V.2 tool. RESULTS: Of 845 studies initially identified, 21 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the 6934 stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack patients included, there were 1774 (26%) false negative patients (range from 4 (2%) to 247 (52%)). Commonly documented symptoms in false negative cases were speech problems (n=107; 13%-28%), nausea/vomiting (n=94; 8%-38%), dizziness (n=86; 23%-27%), changes in mental status (n=51; 8%-25%) and visual disturbance/impairment (n=43; 13%-28%). CONCLUSION: Speech problems and posterior circulation symptoms were the most commonly documented symptoms among stroke presentations that were not correctly identified by EMS (false negatives). However, the addition of further symptoms to stroke screening tools requires valuation of subsequent sensitivity and specificity, training needs and possible overuse of high priority resources.

Predictors of recognition of out of hospital cardiac arrest by emergency medical services call handlers in England: a mixed methods diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify key indicator symptoms and patient factors associated with correct out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) dispatch allocation. In previous studies, from 3% to 62% of OHCAs are not recognised by Emergency Medical Service call handlers, resulting in delayed arrival at scene. METHODS: Retrospective, mixed methods study including all suspected or confirmed OHCA patients transferred to one acute hospital from its associated regional Emergency Medical Service in England from 1/7/2013 to 30/6/2014. Emergency Medical Service and hospital data, including voice recordings of EMS calls, were analysed to identify predictors of recognition of OHCA by call handlers. Logistic regression was used to explore the role of the most frequently occurring (key) indicator symptoms and characteristics in predicting a correct dispatch for patients with OHCA. RESULTS: A total of 39,136 dispatches were made which resulted in transfer to the hospital within the study period, including 184 patients with OHCA. The use of the term 'Unconscious' plus one or more of symptoms 'Not breathing/Ineffective breathing/Noisy breathing' occurred in 79.8% of all OHCAs, but only 72.8% of OHCAs were correctly dispatched as such. 'Not breathing' was associated with recognition of OHCA by call handlers (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.76). The presence of key indicator symptoms 'Breathing' (OR 0.29), 'Reduced or fluctuating level of consciousness' (OR 0.24), abnormal pulse/heart rate (OR 0.26) and the characteristic 'Female patient' (OR 0.40) were associated with lack of recognition of OHCA by call handlers (p-values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a small proportion of calls in which cardiac arrest indicators are described but the call is not dispatched as such. Stricter adherence to dispatch protocols may improve call handlers' OHCA recognition. The existing dispatch protocol would not be improved by the addition of further terms as this would be at the expense of dispatch specificity.

Medication adherence early after stroke: using the Perceptions and Practicalities Framework to explore stroke survivors', informal carers' and nurses' experiences of barriers and solutions.

Background: Secondary prevention medication after stroke reduces risk of recurrence, but adherence is often poor. Stroke survivors', carers' and nurses' perspectives of early post-stroke medication adherence are unexplored. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore stroke survivors', carers' and nurses' views and experiences about adhering to medication early after post-stroke hospital discharge. Methods: Qualitative individual and group interviews, utilising the Perceptions and Practicalities Framework, were employed. Nine people <2 months post-stroke, three carers and 15 nurses from one UK stroke unit participated. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed. Results: There were four main themes with two sub-themes. (1) Perceptions of medication taking after stroke. Factors affecting adherence included depression, imperceptible benefits and concerns about adverse effects. (2) Perceptions about those at higher risk of poor medication adherence. Nurses suggested that poor adherence might be more likely in those living alone or with previous non-adherence. (3) Practicalities of taking medication early after stroke; these included post-stroke disabilities, cognition, polypharmacy and lack of information. (4a) Practicalities of addressing poor medication adherence during the hospital stay. Solutions included multidisciplinary co-ordination, but nurses and stroke survivors described suboptimal use of opportunities to promote adherence. (4b) Practicalities of addressing poor medication adherence post-discharge. Solutions included modifications and support from carers, but stroke survivors reported difficulties in evolving systems for taking medications. Conclusions: Stroke survivors and informal carers lack knowledge and support needed to manage medication early after discharge. Nurses' opportunities to promote medication adherence are under-exploited. Medication adherence strategies to support stroke survivors early after discharge are needed.

Clinical academic research internships for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals: a qualitative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Nurses, midwives and allied health professionals are integral to research, yet rarely engage simultaneously in research and clinical practice. Clinical academic internships offer a route for accessing academic research training. AIM: To determine facilitators and barriers to nurses' participation and engagement in research internships, and to suggest improvements for future programmes. DISCUSSION: The experiences of ten health professional research interns were explored, using a method based on a synthesis between grounded theory and content analysis. Four categories emerged: integrating clinical and research aspirations; support - or lack of it; the hidden curriculum; and the legacy effect. Respondents identified facilitators and barriers to engagement in these categories, including unforeseen challenges. CONCLUSION: Formal support is necessary but is insufficient for fostering engagement and maximising benefits. Participation must be supported by colleagues and enabled by institutional structures. The potential effects of internships on engagement with research is considerable but requires collaboration between all stakeholders. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Deeper institutional engagement is needed so that internship opportunities are fully supported by all colleagues and practically enabled by institutional structures. Future schemes should attempt to promote opportunities to collaborate through group projects to reduce researchers' isolation.

Mobile health applications for managing atrial fibrillation for healthcare professionals and patients: a systematic review.

AIMS: A plethora of mobile health applications (m-health apps) to support healthcare are available for both patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) but content and quality vary considerably and few have undergone formal assessment. The aim is to systematically review the literature on m-health apps for managing atrial fibrillation (AF) that examine the impact on knowledge of AF, patient and HCP behaviour, patients' quality-of-life, and user engagement. METHODS AND RESULTS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsychInfo were searched from 1 January 2005 to 5 September 2019, with hand-searching of clinical trial registers and grey literature. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported changes in any of the following: (i) knowledge of AF; (ii) provider behaviour (e.g. guideline adherence); (iii) patient behaviour (e.g. medication adherence); (iv) patient quality-of-life; and (v) user engagement. Two reviewers independently assessed articles for eligibility. A narrative review was undertaken as included studies varied widely in their design, interventions, comparators, and outcomes. Seven studies were included; six m-health apps aimed at patients and one at HCPs. Mobile health apps ranged widely in design, features, and method of delivery. Four studies reported patient knowledge of AF; three demonstrated significant knowledge improvement post-intervention or compared to usual care. One study reported greater HCP adherence to oral anticoagulation guidelines after m-health app implementation. Two studies reported on patient medication adherence and quality-of-life; both showed improved quality-of-life post-intervention but only one observed increased adherence. Regarding user engagement, five studies reported patient perspectives on usability, three on acceptability, and one on feasibility; overall all m-health apps were rated positively. CONCLUSION: Mobile health apps demonstrate improvements in patient knowledge, behaviour, and quality of life. Studies formally evaluating the impact of m-health on HCP behaviour are scarce and larger-scale studies with representative patient cohorts, appropriate comparators, and longer-term assessment of the impact of m-health apps are warranted.

Etiologic Workup in Cases of Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review of International Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Background and Purpose- Identifying the etiology of acute ischemic stroke is essential for effective secondary prevention. However, in at least one third of ischemic strokes, existing investigative protocols fail to determine the underlying cause. Establishing etiology is complicated by variation in clinical practice, often reflecting preferences of treating clinicians and variable availability of investigative techniques. In this review, we systematically assess the extent to which there exists consensus, disagreement, and gaps in clinical practice recommendations on etiologic workup in acute ischemic stroke. Methods- We identified clinical practice guidelines/consensus statements through searches of 4 electronic databases and hand-searching of websites/reference lists. Two reviewers independently assessed reports for eligibility. We extracted data on report characteristics and recommendations relating to etiologic workup in acute ischemic stroke and in cases of cryptogenic stroke. Quality was assessed using the AGREE II tool (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation). Recommendations were synthesized according to a published algorithm for diagnostic evaluation in cryptogenic stroke. Results- We retrieved 16 clinical practice guidelines and 7 consensus statements addressing acute stroke management (n=12), atrial fibrillation (n=5), imaging (n=5), and secondary prevention (n=1). Five reports were of overall high quality. For all patients, guidelines recommended routine brain imaging, noninvasive vascular imaging, a 12-lead ECG, and routine blood tests/laboratory investigations. Additionally, ECG monitoring (>24 hours) was recommended for patients with suspected embolic stroke and echocardiography for patients with suspected cardiac source. Three reports recommended investigations for rarer causes of stroke. None of the reports provided guidance on the extent of investigation needed before classifying a stroke as cryptogenic. Conclusions- While consensus exists surrounding standard etiologic workup, there is little agreement on more advanced investigations for rarer causes of acute ischemic stroke. This gap in guidance, and in the underpinning evidence, demonstrates missed opportunities to better understand and protect against ongoing stroke risk. Registration- URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/; Unique identifier: CRD42019127822.

Medication-taking after stroke: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the perspectives of stroke survivors, informal carers and health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Lifelong secondary prevention medication is recommended after stroke or transient ischaemic attack. However, poor medication adherence and persistence, which lead to suboptimal health outcomes, are common, but the reasons for this are not well understood, mainly because there have been few studies reporting adherence barriers in stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review was to undertake a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies of medication-taking after stroke. Outcomes of interest were: lived experiences, views and beliefs, and strategies and solutions used by community-dwelling stroke and transient ischaemic attack survivors, informal carers and health care professionals in relation to medication-taking. METHOD: The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018086792). A search of online bibliographic databases was performed using key search terms of stroke, persistence, adherence and medication for years 1980-2018. Citation tracking was also carried out. Studies using qualitative or mixed methods were included. Systematic data extraction and synthesis were conducted using a meta-ethnographic approach. RESULTS: Twelve studies were eligible for inclusion, with a total of 412 participants, two-thirds of whom were stroke survivors, ranging from 1 month to over 20 years post-stroke. Third-order themes identified were 'Medicines Work'-Information Work; Health Care Work; Carer Work; Emotional Work; Practical Work and an underpinning theme of Trust. However, many studies had significant methodological weaknesses. CONCLUSIONS: This synthesis suggests that the burden of 'medicines work' after stroke is substantial and multifaceted. Its successful undertaking depends on mutual trust between stroke survivors, carers and health care professionals and trust in the benefits of medicines themselves.

Great expectations? A qualitative study of health professionals' perspectives on breaking bad news about rehabilitation potential after traumatic brain injury or spinal injury.

Background: Neurorehabilitation units play an important role in facilitating recovery for those with complex needs following a neurological event. National guidance highlights the importance of providing patients and their families with information and fostering realistic expectations. This may involve the breaking of bad news. The aim of this study is to explore health professionals' perspectives on breaking bad news in the neurorehabilitation setting.Method: 15 health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, speech therapists, psychologists and doctors) working at a 24 bedded neurorehabilitation unit in a National Health Service acute trust in England were recruited. A qualitative study was conducted using patient vignettes to facilitate discussions during semi-structured interviews and a focus group. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Four major themes emerged: influencing factors, current approaches used, staff experiences, and strategies to improve breaking bad news. There was a need for better management of patients' and families' expectations. Breaking bad news was seen as emotionally demanding yet often unrecognized work.Conclusions: Breaking bad news in the neurorehabilitation setting is complex and under-recognized work, involving multiple health professionals. There is a need for both experience and training to improve skills and confidence in breaking bad news.Implications for RehabilitationExisting tools to support breaking bad news provide a structured step by step approach which may be helpful, but it is recognised there is also a need for experience, reflection, flexibility, and individualisation of the process.Discussing information about rehabilitation potential may be stressful for health professionals themselves and adversely affect their own well-being.Both novice and experienced staff require opportunities for reflective practice and training to develop the skills they need to discuss rehabilitation potential.

Etiologic workup in cases of cryptogenic stroke: protocol for a systematic review and comparison of international clinical practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Identifying the aetiology of ischaemic stroke is essential in order to initiate appropriate and timely secondary prevention measures to reduce the risk of recurrence. For the majority of ischaemic strokes, the aetiology can be readily identified, but in at least 30% of cases, the exact aetiology cannot be determined using existing investigative protocols. Such strokes are classed as 'cryptogenic' or as a stroke of unknown origin. However, there exists substantial variation in clinical practice when investigating cases of seemingly cryptogenic stroke, often reflecting local service availability and the preferences of treating clinicians. This variation in practice is compounded by the lack of international consensus as to the optimum level and timing of investigations required following a stroke. To address this gap, we aim to systematically review and compare recommendations in evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that relate to the assessment and investigation of the aetiology of ischaemic stroke, and any subsequent diagnosis of cryptogenic stroke. METHOD: We will search for CPGs using electronic databases (MEDLINE, Health Management Information Consortium (HMIC), EMBASE, and CINAHL), relevant websites and search engines (e.g. guideline specific websites, governmental, charitable, and professional practice organisations) and hand-searching of bibliographies and reference lists. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and CPGs using a pre-defined relevance criteria form. From each included CPG, we will extract definitions and terms for cryptogenic stroke; recommendations related to assessment and investigation of the aetiology of stroke, including the grade of recommendations and underpinning evidence. The quality of the included CPGs will be assessed using the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) tool. Recommendations across the CPGs will be summarised descriptively highlighting areas of convergence and divergence between CPGs. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, this will be the first review to systematically compare recommendations of international CPGs on investigating the aetiology of ischaemic stroke. The findings will allow for a better understanding of international perspectives on the optimum level of investigations required following a stroke and thus contribute to achieving greater international consensus on best practice in this important and complex area. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019127822.

Healthcare practitioners' views and experiences of barriers and facilitators to weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is common in adults with intellectual disabilities, yet little is known about how weight management interventions are provided for this population. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held with 14 healthcare practitioners involved in weight management interventions in an English county. A study topic guide was developed to elicit practitioners' views and experiences of barriers and facilitators to weight management for adults with intellectual disabilities. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Several barriers are involved in weight management for people with intellectual disabilities including communication challenges, general practitioners' lack of knowledge and awareness of weight management services, inconsistencies in caring support, resource constraints, wider external circumstances surrounding the individuals and motivational issues. Facilitators include reasonable adjustments to existing weight management services. However, there is a need for specialist weight management provision for people with intellectual disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides suggestions for future research, policy and practice consideration.

Pilot Study Evaluating the Feasibility of Comparing Computer Game Play with Close Work During Occlusion in Children Aged 2-7 Years with Amblyopia.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Computer games have been used to stimulate vision in amblyopia with varying degrees of success. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of computer game play compared to close work during occlusion treatment in children. METHOD: Children aged 2-7 years with amblyopia and no prior amblyopia treatment were invited to participate. Participants were randomised to a computer game group or close work group and asked to complete two hours occlusion per day, incorporating one hour of their allocated activity. LogMAR visual acuity (VA) was assessed before treatment commenced and after 7(±1) weeks. The same examiner, who was unaware of the allocated treatment, assessed the participant using the same VA test. RESULTS: Eighteen participants (mean age of 4.2 ± 1.3 years) completed the study. After seven weeks the mean VA of the amblyopic eye in the computer game group improved by 0.147 ± 0.182 logMAR, and in the close work group improved by 0.181 ± 0.124 logMAR. The difference in VA improvement between the computer game and the close work groups was not statistically significant (F(1,32) = 3.71; p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found in visual outcomes between the two groups, but a larger sample size would be needed to draw conclusions regarding the amblyopic population. Evaluation of the study design suggests it would be feasible to conduct a randomised controlled trial comparing computer games and close work during occlusion to determine if a significant difference in visual outcome exists.

Stroke survivors' and carers' experiences of a systematic voiding programme to treat urinary incontinence after stroke.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the views and experiences of stroke survivors and carers about a systematic voiding programme for poststroke incontinence. BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence after stroke is common and associated with poorer functional outcome. Structured assessment and management are potentially effective interventions, but it is important that there is a good understanding of stroke survivors' and carers' views of their acceptability and implementation. DESIGN: A qualitative study within a feasibility trial. METHODS: Sixteen participants (12 stroke survivors and four carers) were interviewed using a structured schedule shortly before discharge from one of six inpatient stroke units across six hospitals. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: Participants included seven male and five female stroke survivors (mean age 76 years) and four female carers (two wives and two daughters). Themes relating to the preliminary (assessment) phase of the programme were as follows: physical impact, psychological impact, beliefs about incontinence, and the assessment process itself. Main themes relating to the implementation of the programme included the following: timed voiding decisions, adapting the programme or the timed voiding schedule, and urinary incontinence management techniques. Participants felt that the programme helped them to re-establish a regular pattern of micturition and to regain autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of a systematic voiding programme may partly lie in its educational component, challenging patients' and carers' assumptions that poststroke incontinence is inevitable. Individual adaptation of the programme and the ability to incorporate it alongside other aspects of care are likely to be key factors influencing implementation. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Urinary incontinence is common after stroke. To maximise benefits from a systematic voiding programme, nurses should support stroke survivors to overturn erroneous beliefs, to participate in tailoring of the programme, and in self-management where appropriate.

The impact of education and training interventions for nurses and other health care staff involved in the delivery of stroke care: An integrative review.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to explore the impact of stroke education and training of nurses and other health care staff involved in the delivery of stroke care. DESIGN: We performed an integrative review, following PRISMA guidance where possible. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, ERIC, PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, HMIC, CINAHL, Google Scholar, IBSS, Web of Knowledge, and the British Nursing Index from 1980 to 2016. REVIEW METHODS: Any intervention studies were included if they focused on the education or training of nurses and other health care staff in relation to stroke care. Articles that appeared to meet the inclusion criteria were read in full. Data were extracted from the articles, and the study quality assessed by two researchers. We assessed risk of bias of included studies using a pre-specified tool based on Cochrane guidance. RESULTS: Our initial search identified 2850 studies of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were randomised controlled trials, and one was an interrupted time series. Fourteen studies were quasi-experimental: eight were pretest-posttest; five were non-equivalent groups; one study had a single assessment. Thirteen studies used quality of care outcomes and eight used a patient outcome measure. None of the studies was identified as having a low risk of bias. Only nine studies used a multi-disciplinary approach to education and training and nurses were often taught alone. Interactive education and training delivered to multi-disciplinary stroke teams, and the use of protocols or guidelines tended to be associated with a positive impact on patient and quality of care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Practice educators should consider the delivery of interactive education and training delivered to multi-disciplinary groups, and the use of protocols or guidelines, which tend to be associated with a positive impact on both patient and quality of care outcomes. Future research should incorporate a robust design.

An integrative review of multicomponent weight management interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is more prevalent in people with intellectual disabilities and increases the risk of developing serious medical conditions. UK guidance recommends multicomponent weight management interventions (MCIs), tailored for different population groups. METHODS: An integrative review utilizing systematic review methodology was conducted to identify the types of MCIs delivered to adults with intellectual disabilities. FINDINGS: Five studies were identified. All of the studies' MCIs were tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities. Tailoring included measures such as simplified communication tools, individualized sessions, and the presence of carers where appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging evidence suggests ways in which MCIs can be tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities but, given the few studies identified, it is not possible to recommend how they can be routinely tailored. Further studies are justified for adults with intellectual disabilities at risk of obesity-related conditions.