Can the stroke impact scale 3.0 detect cognitive impairments in patients with a recent stroke?

[Purpose] The aim of this study was to identify cognitive impairments in patients with a recent stroke using Stroke Impact Scale 3.0 (SIS). [Participants and Methods] A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate 50 medical records in patients with a recent stroke who have completed a stroke rehabilitation programme. All data were evaluated at St. Finbarr's Hospital in Cork, Ireland. [Results] A total of 41 records met the inclusion criteria, of which 53.7% were male. Regarding the risk factors, most patients complained of hypertension (85.4%), with most being diagnosed with embolic stroke (56.1%). The SIS identified numerous issues in stroke patients, such as persistent problems with memory (36.6%), concentration (29.3%), and solving everyday problems (43.9%). In addition, some patients' responses were negative regarding their emotion such as feeling sad (51.2%), not enjoying things as much as ever (39%), feeling life is not worth living (85.4%) and not smiling or laughing at least once a day (80.5%). [Conclusion] The inclusion of the SIS in the stroke review clinic identified cognitive deficits that may not have otherwise been detected. By using SIS in a systematic and standardised way, deficits can be identified, and appropriate rehabilitation can be provided.

The awareness of healthcare staff towards post-stroke cognitive impairment: a cross sectional study.

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the awareness amongst healthcare staff of post-stroke cognitive impairment in a university teaching hospital and supporting stroke rehabilitation unit. [Subjects and Methods] A cross sectional study was employed to collect data from 20 healthcare staff about post-stroke cognitive impairment. This study was conducted in Ireland at two sites, the Acute Stroke unit in Cork University Hospital, and the Stroke Rehabilitation unit and Assessment and Treatment Centre in St. Finbarr's Hospital. [Results] Approximately 75% of participants felt that they had knowledge about post-stroke cognitive deficits, with around 50% of them having patients with persistent cognitive decline between 40% and 60%. Most participants (70%) agreed that cognitive function should be routinely assessed and the majority (85%) discussed the potential impact of post-stroke cognitive deficits with patients and their families. However, some participants need to be aware of post-stroke cognitive deterioration. [Conclusion] Although there was evidence of good practice, a small number of healthcare staff felt that they did not have sufficient knowledge about post-stroke cognitive deficits. Thus, further professional education should be provided to improve the knowledge of healthcare staff about potential cognitive impairments after stroke.

Factors affecting the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services by physicians in Saudi Arabia.

[Purpose] To investigate physicians' attitudes, opinions and experiences towards physiotherapy services as well as to identify the potential factors that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services (based on physicians' beliefs) in Saudi Arabia (SA). [Subjects and Methods] A cross-sectional study was conducted. [Results] A total of 108 respondents met the inclusion criteria. The respondents' attitude towards physiotherapy was slightly low (53.5%), while their opinions and experiences of physiotherapy indicated some important issues. For example, 50% of them believed that physiotherapists did not create a good awareness about physiotherapy services and 55.5% admitted that they did not have enough information about physiotherapy services. The most potential factor reported by physicians that may affect the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services was the lack of physiotherapist's skills and knowledge to assess and treat patients (55.3%), followed by the limited knowledge of physicians regarding the types of physiotherapy services (44.5%) and the lack of cooperation between physicians and physiotherapists (40.7%). [Conclusion] There were some factors that limited the extent of utilization of physiotherapy services in SA. Physiotherapy academics and clinicians should attempt to change physicians' negative attitudes, promoting awareness to provide them with a better understanding of physiotherapy services.