Economic evaluation of digitally enabled aged and neurological rehabilitation care in the Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the trial-based cost-effectiveness of the addition of a tailored digitally enabled exercise intervention to usual care shown to be clinically effective in improving mobility in the Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) rehabilitation trial compared to usual care alone. DESIGN: Economic evaluation alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: 300 people receiving inpatient aged and neurological rehabilitation were randomized to the intervention (n = 149) or usual care control group (n = 151). MAIN MEASURES: Incremental cost effectiveness ratios were calculated for the additional costs per additional person demonstrating a meaningful improvement in mobility (3-point in Short Physical Performance Battery) and quality-adjusted life years gained at 6 months (primary analysis). The joint probability distribution of costs and outcomes was examined using bootstrapping. RESULTS: The mean cost saving for the intervention group at 6 months was AU$2286 (95% Bootstrapped cost CI: -$11,190 to $6410) per participant; 68% and 67% of bootstraps showed the intervention to be dominant (i.e. more effective and cost saving) for mobility and quality-adjusted life years, respectively. The probability of the intervention being cost-effective considering a willingness to pay threshold of AU$50,000 per additional person with a meaningful improvement in mobility or quality-adjusted life year gained was 93% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The AMOUNT intervention had a high probability of being cost-effective if decision makers are willing to pay AU$50,000 per meaningful improvement in mobility or per quality-adjusted life year gained, and a moderate probability of being cost-saving and effective considering both outcomes at 6 months post randomization.

Stroke survivors' perceptions of the factors that influence engagement in activity outside dedicated therapy sessions in a rehabilitation unit: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate stroke survivors' perceptions of factors influencing their engagement in activity outside of dedicated therapy sessions during inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Four metropolitan rehabilitation units in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: People undertaking inpatient rehabilitation after stroke. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews conducted in person by a speech pathologist A stepped iterative process of inductive analysis was employed until data saturation was achieved with themes then applied against the three domains of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (perceived behavioural control, social norms and attitude). RESULTS: Interviews of 33 stroke survivors (60% female, median age of 73 years) revealed five themes (i) uncertainty about how to navigate and what was available for use in the rehabilitation unit restricts activity and (ii) post-stroke mobility, fatigue and pre- and post-stroke communication impairments restrict activity (perceived behavioural control); (iii) unit set up, rules (perceived and actual) and staff expectations influence activity and (iv) visiting family and friends are strong facilitators of activity (social norms), and (v) personal preferences and mood influence level of activity (attitude). CONCLUSION: At the individual level, stroke survivors perceived that their ability to be active outside of dedicated therapy sessions was influenced by their impairments, including mood, and their attitude towards and preference for activity. At the ward level, stroke survivors perceived that their ability to be active was influenced by ward set-up, rules and staff expectations. Visitors were perceived to be important facilitators of activity outside of therapy sessions.

Addressing Sexuality Among People Living With Chronic Disease and Disability: A Systematic Mixed Methods Review of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Health Care Professionals.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review health care professionals' practices and attitudes toward addressing sexuality with people who are living with chronic disease and disability. DATA SOURCES: Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and MEDLINE were searched to August 2020 for English language publications. Reference lists of relevant publications were also searched. STUDY SELECTION: Eligible studies reported on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of health care professionals about addressing sexuality in the context of chronic disease and disability. The search yielded 2492 records; 187 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 114 documents were included (103 unique studies). Study quality was rated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. DATA EXTRACTION: Characteristics of included studies were recorded independently by 2 authors. Differences were resolved through discussion or by a third author. DATA SYNTHESIS: A sequential, exploratory mixed studies approach was used for synthesis. Pooled analysis showed that 14.2% (95% CI, 10.6-18.9 [I2=94.8%, P<.001]) of health professionals report routinely asking questions or providing information about sexuality. Professionals reported limited confidence, competence, and/or comfort when initiating conversations about sexuality or responding to patient questions. Sexual rehabilitation typically focused on the effect of disease, disability, and medication on sexual function. Broader dimensions of sexuality were rarely addressed. CONCLUSION: Despite recognizing the value of sexuality to health and well-being, most health professionals regardless of clinical context fail to routinely include assessment of sexuality in their practice. Professionals have limited knowledge and confidence when addressing sexuality and experience significant discomfort when raising this topic with people living with chronic disease and disability. Multicomponent implementation programs are needed to improve health professionals' knowledge, competence, and comfort when addressing sexuality for people living with chronic disease and disability.

Digitally enabled aged care and neurological rehabilitation to enhance outcomes with Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) in Australia: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Digitally enabled rehabilitation may lead to better outcomes but has not been tested in large pragmatic trials. We aimed to evaluate a tailored prescription of affordable digital devices in addition to usual care for people with mobility limitations admitted to aged care and neurological rehabilitation. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a pragmatic, outcome-assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomised trial in 3 Australian hospitals in Sydney and Adelaide recruiting adults 18 to 101 years old with mobility limitations undertaking aged care and neurological inpatient rehabilitation. Both the intervention and control groups received usual multidisciplinary inpatient and post-hospital rehabilitation care as determined by the treating rehabilitation clinicians. In addition to usual care, the intervention group used devices to target mobility and physical activity problems, individually prescribed by a physiotherapist according to an intervention protocol, including virtual reality video games, activity monitors, and handheld computer devices for 6 months in hospital and at home. Co-primary outcomes were mobility (performance-based Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]; continuous version; range 0 to 3; higher score indicates better mobility) and upright time as a proxy measure of physical activity (proportion of the day upright measured with activPAL) at 6 months. The dataset was analysed using intention-to-treat principles. The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12614000936628). Between 22 September 2014 and 10 November 2016, 300 patients (mean age 74 years, SD 14; 50% female; 54% neurological condition causing activity limitation) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 149) or control (n = 151) using a secure online database (REDCap) to achieve allocation concealment. Six-month assessments were completed by 258 participants (129 intervention, 129 control). Intervention participants received on average 12 (SD 11) supervised inpatient sessions using 4 (SD 1) different devices and 15 (SD 5) physiotherapy contacts supporting device use after hospital discharge. Changes in mobility scores were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group from baseline (SPPB [continuous, 0-3] mean [SD]: intervention group, 1.5 [0.7]; control group, 1.5 [0.8]) to 6 months (SPPB [continuous, 0-3] mean [SD]: intervention group, 2.3 [0.6]; control group, 2.1 [0.8]; mean between-group difference 0.2 points, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.3; p = 0.006). However, there was no evidence of a difference between groups for upright time at 6 months (mean [SD] proportion of the day spent upright at 6 months: intervention group, 18.2 [9.8]; control group, 18.4 [10.2]; mean between-group difference -0.2, 95% CI -2.7 to 2.3; p = 0.87). Scores were higher in the intervention group compared to the control group across most secondary mobility outcomes, but there was no evidence of a difference between groups for most other secondary outcomes including self-reported balance confidence and quality of life. No adverse events were reported in the intervention group. Thirteen participants died while in the trial (intervention group: 9; control group: 4) due to unrelated causes, and there was no evidence of a difference between groups in fall rates (unadjusted incidence rate ratio 1.19, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.83; p = 0.43). Study limitations include 15%-19% loss to follow-up at 6 months on the co-primary outcomes, as anticipated; the number of secondary outcome measures in our trial, which may increase the risk of a type I error; and potential low statistical power to demonstrate significant between-group differences on important secondary patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we observed improved mobility in people with a wide range of health conditions making use of digitally enabled rehabilitation, whereas time spent upright was not impacted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register; ACTRN12614000936628.

Evaluation of a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a phase-1 pre-post observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a staff behaviour change intervention to increase the use of ward-based practice books and active practice by stroke inpatients. DESIGN: This is a pre-post observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted in a inpatient rehabilitation unit in Australia. SUBJECTS: Stroke inpatients participated in the study. INTERVENTION: A staff behaviour change intervention was designed to support staff to implement practice books. The intervention included staff training on motivation and coaching, and weekly audit and feedback for six months. The environment was restructured to bring staff together weekly at the bedside to review audit data and share skills. MAIN MEASURES: Medical record audit and behavioural mapping were used to compare the number of stroke participants with/using a practice book pre- and post-intervention. Pre- and post-intervention, the percentage of observations where a stroke participant was actively practising, repetitions of practice recorded and type of supervision were compared. RESULTS: A total of 24 participants were observed (n = 12 pre, n = 12 post). Post-intervention, the number of participants with practice books increased from one to six (OR = 11, 95% CI = (0.9, 550.7)), but this change was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Five participants recorded repetitions in their practice books post-intervention, three were observed using practice books. There was no change in median repetitions recorded (rpbs = 0.00, 95% CI = (-0.4, 0.4), P = 1.000) or observed active practice (rpbs = -0.02, 95% CI = (-0.4, 0.4), P = 0.933). Active practice was often fully supervised by a therapist. CONCLUSION: A staff behaviour change intervention has the potential to increase the number of stroke survivors receiving ward-based practice books but did not increase active practice.

Increasing the delivery of upper limb constraint-induced movement therapy post-stroke: A feasibility implementation study.

INTRODUCTION: Few stroke survivors receive upper limb constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether a behaviour change program for occupational therapists increased the number of stroke survivors receiving CIMT, describe the time and process involved in delivering the first program, any adverse events, fidelity and dose of CIMT provided, and upper limb outcomes. METHODS: A feasibility pre-post implementation study design was used, with intervention and measures for therapists and stroke survivors. Intervention for occupational therapists was informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel and included CIMT training, barrier identification, mentoring and a community of practice. Therapists delivered 2-week CIMT programs with 1:1 supervision, first assisting stroke survivors to identify upper limb goals using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The primary outcome was change in the number of stroke survivors receiving CIMT (program reach). Hours associated with program delivery, adverse events and participant repetitions were recorded (program fidelity and dose). Change in motor function was measured (fidelity) using the Motor Assessment Scale (Upper Limb), Box and Block Test, Nine Hole Peg Test and Motor Activity Log at baseline, program completion (2 weeks), 1 and 12 months. RESULTS: Program reach: Sixteen stroke participants were recruited (mean 15.3 months post-stroke, SD 11.9) and six CIMT programs conducted over 24 months, compared to none pre-implementation. The first CIMT program required a mean of 242 hours for preparation and delivery. All programs were student-assisted. Fidelity and dose: Stroke participants completed a mean of 360.6 repetitions/hour (SD 183.7), and 12,719.6 repetitions/program (SD 6,872.8). Statistically significant changes in upper limb motor function were recorded; some changes were clinically important. CONCLUSIONS: The behaviour change program resulted in multiple CIMT programs being delivered safely and with fidelity. Capacity building and skill development took many hours, as did preparation for the first CIMT program.

How is sexuality after stroke experienced by stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors? A systematic review of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVE:: To synthesise how post-stroke sexuality is experienced by stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors. METHODS:: MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from inception to May 2018 using a combination of relevant Medical Subject Headings and Free Text Terms. Only papers published in English reporting original qualitative research were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Research Checklist. All text presented as 'results' or 'findings' in the included studies was extracted and subjected to a thematic analysis and synthesis which was discussed and agreed by the research team. RESULTS:: The initial search yielded 136 unique papers with a further 8 papers identified through reference checking. Following full-text review, 43 papers were included in the final synthesis. Two analytical themes were identified: sexuality is silenced and sexuality is muted and sometimes changed, but not forgotten. These themes were made up of six descriptive themes: struggle to communicate within relationships, health professionals don't talk about sexuality, sexuality and disability is a taboo topic, changes to pre-stroke relationships, changed relationship with the stroke survivor's own body and resuming sexual intimacy - adaptation and loss. CONCLUSION:: Stroke has a profound impact on how sexuality is experienced by both stroke survivors and partners of stroke survivors. Despite this, post-stroke sexuality is rarely discussed openly. Stroke survivors and partners value sexuality and may benefit from strategies to support adjustment to post-stroke sexuality.

Constraint-induced movement therapy for upper limb recovery in adult neurorehabilitation: An international survey of current knowledge and experience.

INTRODUCTION: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an effective intervention for upper limb recovery following stroke and traumatic brain injury. Despite strong evidence, the use of CIMT in practice is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate clinician knowledge and experience of delivering CIMT protocols internationally in neurorehabilitation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online. The survey was distributed through occupational therapy and physiotherapy associations, neurological interest groups and list serves in 11 countries. Passive snowball sampling was used to recruit participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS: Complete surveys were returned by 169 respondents (64.5% occupational therapists; 34.3% physiotherapists; 1.2% other). Most respondents were from the United Kingdom (36.1%), Australia (28.4%) and Denmark (7.7%). Most participants delivered CIMT to individuals (79.3%) rather than in groups. A modified version of CIMT was used most often (74.6%), with one hour sessions per day (30.2%), provided to stroke survivors (96.4%) and people with traumatic brain injury (37.3%). Most respondents (88.8%) used intensive graded practice as a component of a CIMT program, but only 43.2% reported using a mitt restraint for most waking hours, and only 38.5% used a transfer package. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CIMT is being used globally but not always with fidelity to the original trials. A range of strategies are needed for improving clinicians' knowledge and skills to increase the frequency of program delivery and enhance program delivery with fidelity.

Responsiveness of five measures of arm function in acute stroke rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the responsiveness of five arm function measures in people receiving acute inpatient stroke rehabilitation. DESIGN: Inception cohort study. SETTING: Comprehensive stroke unit providing early rehabilitation. SUBJECTS: A total of 64 consecutively admitted stroke survivors with moderately severe disability (Modified Rankin Scale score median (interquartile range (IQR)): 4.0 (1.0)). MAIN MEASURES: Responsiveness was analyzed by calculating effect size, standardized response mean and median-based effect size. Floor/ceiling effects were calculated as the percentage of participants scoring the lowest/highest possible scores. RESULTS: Average length of stay and number of therapy days were 34 (SD = 27.9) and 12 (SD = 13.1), respectively. Box and Block Test and Functional Independence Measure-Self-Care showed the highest responsiveness with values in the moderate-large range (effect size = 1.09, standardized response mean = 1.07 and median-based effect size = 0.76; effect size = 0.94, standardized response mean = 1.04 and median-based effect size = 1.0). Responsiveness of Action Research Arm Test and Upper Limb-Motor Assessment Scale were moderate (effect size = 0.58, standardized response mean = 0.69 and median-based effect size = 0.59; effect size = 0.62, standardized response mean = 0.75 and median-based effect size = 0.67). For Manual Muscle Test, responsiveness was in the small-moderate range (effect size = 0.42, standardized response mean = 0.59 and median-based effect size = 0.5). Box and Block Test showed the largest floor effect on admission (28%), and Action Research Arm Test and Manual Muscle Test showed the largest ceiling effect on discharge (31%). CONCLUSION: These five measures varied in their ability to detect change with responsiveness ranging from the small to large range. Box and Block Test and Functional Independence Measure-Self-Care showed a greater ability to detect change; both demonstrated moderate-large responsiveness.

Patient and therapist experiences of using affordable feedback-based technology in rehabilitation: a qualitative study nested in a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how technologies are used and experienced in rehabilitation. DESIGN: A qualitative study using a grounded theory approach within a randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of tailored, affordable technologies to improve mobility and physical activity. SETTINGS: Aged care and neurological rehabilitation wards with community follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty patients undergoing rehabilitation and randomized to the experimental arm of a trial (mean age 64 years (SD 23)) were recruited for interviews, plus 11 physiotherapists involved in technology prescription as part of the trial. METHOD: Two interviews per patient (one in hospital, one post-discharge) and four focus groups with physiotherapists were conducted. Transcribed data were coded and synthesized. Memo-writing and constant comparison methods guided data analysis. RESULTS: A process of patient engagement with technology involving two stages: (1) initial patient engagement and (2) maintaining patient engagement was identified. Therapists used a series of steps and strategies to gain and maintain patient engagement. A positive first experience and continued input into patient programmes was needed. The level of patient engagement was not consistent across the duration of the trial, increasing or decreasing due to changes in the technologies prescribed or setting of use. Two conditions were key to optimizing patient engagement: sufficient support and perceived benefit from using technology. CONCLUSIONS: Patients can engage with technology during rehabilitation when prescription is tailored by a therapist. Perceiving benefit from using technology, in addition to receiving the right support to enable use appears to influence the level of patient engagement.

Structure and feasibility of extra practice during stroke rehabilitation: A systematic scoping review.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Improved motor performance is related to the amount of practice completed after a stroke. Australian guidelines recommend that at least one hour of active practice should be completed per day. Yet active practice levels remain low. The aims of this scoping review were to describe how extra practice at the activity level is structured for stroke survivors, and explore the feasibility of participants completing extra practice. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted of five electronic databases up to August 2015. Trials were included when the intended dose of the control intervention was less than the experimental intervention. The structure of extra practice was classified by the level of supervision, type of personnel, and whether equipment was used. Feasibility of practice was explored by comparing the intended and actual dose of practice completed. RESULTS: Thirty-five trials, comprising 40 comparisons were included. Multiple configurations of personnel, supervision and equipment were used to structure extra practice. The structure most often used was full supervision by staff without equipment (30 comparisons), typically involving a therapist (17 comparisons), with equipment being used occasionally (12 comparisons). Sixteen comparisons reported both the intended and the actual dose of extra practice completed. The mean percentage of actual extra practice completed was 80% (SD 18) of the intended dose. CONCLUSIONS: Extra practice during rehabilitation after stroke is most often structured using full supervision by a therapist, and appears feasible for stroke survivors to complete. Less often, extra practice is structured using equipment, non-therapists and/or group classes.

Compliance with Australian stroke guideline recommendations for outdoor mobility and transport training by post-inpatient rehabilitation services: An observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Community participation is often restricted after stroke, due to reduced confidence and outdoor mobility. Australian clinical guidelines recommend that specific evidence-based interventions be delivered to target these restrictions, such as multiple escorted outdoor journeys. The aim of this study was to describe post-inpatient outdoor mobility and transport training delivered to stroke survivors in New South Wales, Australia and whether therapy differed according to type, sector or location of service provider. METHODS: Using an observational retrospective cohort study design, 24 rehabilitation service providers were audited. Provider types included outpatient (n = 8), day therapy (n = 9), home-based rehabilitation (n = 5) and transitional aged care services (TAC, n = 2). Records of 15 stroke survivors who had received post-hospital rehabilitation were audited per service, for wait time, duration, amount of therapy and outdoor-related therapy. RESULTS: A total of 311 records were audited. Median wait time for post-hospital therapy was 13 days (IQR, 5-35). Median duration of therapy was 68 days (IQR, 35-109), consisting of 11 sessions (IQR 4-19). Overall, a median of one session (IQR 0-3) was conducted outdoors per person. Outdoor-related therapy was similar across service providers, except that TAC delivered an average of 5.4 more outdoor-related sessions (95% CI 4.4 to 6.4), and 3.5 more outings into public streets (95% CI 2.8 to 4.3) per person, compared to outpatient services. CONCLUSION: The majority of service providers in the sample delivered little evidence-based outdoor mobility and travel training per stroke participant, as recommended in national stroke guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12611000554965.

The New South Wales Allied Health Workplace Learning Study: barriers and enablers to learning in the workplace.

BACKGROUND: Workplace learning refers to continuing professional development that is stimulated by and occurs through participation in workplace activities. Workplace learning is essential for staff development and high quality clinical care. The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers to and enablers of workplace learning for allied health professionals within NSW Health. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted with a purposively selected maximum variation sample (n =46) including 19 managers, 19 clinicians and eight educators from 10 allied health professions. Seven semi-structured interviews and nine focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. The 'framework approach' was used to guide the interviews and analysis. Textual data were coded and charted using an evolving thematic framework. RESULTS: Key enablers of workplace learning included having access to peers, expertise and 'learning networks', protected learning time, supportive management and positive staff attitudes. The absence of these key enablers including heavy workload and insufficient staffing were important barriers to workplace learning. CONCLUSION: Attention to these barriers and enablers may help organisations to more effectively optimise allied health workplace learning. Ultimately better workplace learning may lead to improved patient, staff and organisational outcomes.

Implementing ward-based practice books to increase the amount of practice completed during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a mixed-methods process evaluation.

PURPOSE: Stroke survivors must complete large amounts of practice to achieve functional improvements but spend many hours inactive during their rehabilitation. We conducted a mixed methods process evaluation exploring factors affecting the success of a 6-month behaviour change intervention to increase use of ward-based practice books. METHODS: Audits of the presence, quality and use of ward based-practice books were conducted, alongside focus groups with staff (n = 19), and interviews with stroke survivors (n = 3) and family members (n = 4). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Focus group and interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Personal (patient-related) factors (including severe weakness, cognitive and communication deficits of stroke survivors), staff coaching skills, understanding and beliefs about their role, affected practice book use. Staff turnover, nursing shift work and a lack of action planning reduced success of the behaviour change intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Staff with the necessary skills and understanding of their role in implementing ward practice overcame personal (patient-related) factors and assisted stroke survivors to successfully practice on the ward. To improve success of the intervention, repeated training of new staff is required. In addition to audit and feedback, team action planning is needed around the presence, quality, and use of ward practice books.

Ward-based practice books are one evidence-based strategy that can be used by rehabilitation teams to increase the amount of practice completed by stroke survivors during inpatient rehabilitation.Stroke survivors' personal factors (including severe weakness, cognitive and communication deficits), staff beliefs about their role and coaching skills, affected stroke survivors ability to practice on the ward using practice books.Staff with the necessary skills, understanding and belief about their role in implementing ward practice can overcome personal (patient related) factors (such as severe weakness) and assist stroke survivors to successfully practice on the ward.To increase the success of ward practice, repeated booster training of staff is required along with audit and feedback and team action planning on the presence, quality, and use of ward practice books.

Discharge planning from hospital to home.

BACKGROUND: Discharge planning is a routine feature of health systems in many countries. The aim of discharge planning is to reduce hospital length of stay and unplanned readmission to hospital, and improve the co-ordination of services following discharge from hospital. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of planning the discharge of individual patients moving from hospital. SEARCH METHODS: We updated the review using the Cochrane EPOC Group Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Social Science Citation Index (last searched in March 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared an individualised discharge plan with routine discharge care that was not tailored to the individual patient. Participants were hospital inpatients. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently undertook data analysis and quality assessment using a pre designed data extraction sheet. Studies are grouped according to patient group (elderly medical patients, patients recovering from surgery and those with a mix of conditions) and by outcome. Our statistical analysis was done on an intention to treat basis, we calculated risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous data using fixed-effect meta-analysis. When combining outcome data was not possible, because of differences in the reporting of outcomes, we have presented the data in narrative summary tables. MAIN RESULTS: We included twenty-four RCTs (8098 patients); three RCTS were identified in this update. Sixteen studies recruited older patients with a medical condition, four recruited patients with a mix of medical and surgical conditions, one recruited patients from a psychiatric hospital, one from both a psychiatric hospital and from a general hospital, and two trials patients admitted to hospital following a fall (110 patients). Hospital length of stay and readmissions to hospital were statistically significantly reduced for patients admitted to hospital with a medical diagnosis and who were allocated to discharge planning (mean difference length of stay -0.91, 95% CI -1.55 to -0.27, 10 trials; readmission rates RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.92, 12 trials). For elderly patients with a medical condition there was no statistically significant difference between groups for mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.25, five trials) or being discharged from hospital to home (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.14, two trials). This was also the case for trials recruiting patients recovering from surgery and a mix of medical and surgical conditions. In three trials, patients allocated to discharge planning reported increased satisfaction. There was little evidence on overall healthcare costs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that a discharge plan tailored to the individual patient probably brings about reductions in hospital length of stay and readmission rates for older people admitted to hospital with a medical condition. The impact of discharge planning on mortality, health outcomes and cost remains uncertain.

Barriers and enablers to implementing multiple stroke guideline recommendations: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Translating evidence into practice is an important final step in the process of evidence-based practice. Medical record audits can be used to examine how well practice compares with published evidence, and identify evidence-practice gaps. After providing audit feedback to professionals, local barriers to practice change can be identified and targetted with focussed behaviour change interventions. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to implementing multiple stroke guideline recommendations at one Australian stroke unit. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was used. A sample of 28 allied health, nursing and medical professionals participated in a group or individual interview. These interviews occurred after staff had received audit feedback and identified areas for practice change. Questions focused on barriers and enablers to implementing guideline recommendations about management of: upper limb sensory impairments, mobility including sitting balance; vision; anxiety and depression; neglect; swallowing; communication; education for stroke survivors and carers; advice about return to work and driving. Qualitative data were analysed for themes using theoretical domains described by Michie and colleagues (2005). RESULTS: Six group and two individual interviews were conducted, involving six disciplines. Barriers were different across disciplines. The six key barriers identified were: (1) Beliefs about capabilities of individual professionals and their discipline, and about patient capabilities (2) Beliefs about the consequences, positive and negative, of implementing the recommendations (3) Memory of, and attention to, best practices (4) Knowledge and skills required to implement best practice; (5) Intention and motivation to implement best practice, and (6) Resources. Some barriers were also enablers to change. For example, occupational therapists required new knowledge and skills (a barrier), to better manage sensation and neglect impairments while physiotherapists generally knew how to implement best-practice mobility rehabilitation (an enabler). CONCLUSIONS: Findings add to current knowledge about barriers to change and implementation of multiple guideline recommendations. Major challenges included sexuality education and depression screening. Limited knowledge and skills was a common barrier. Knowledge about specific interventions was needed before implementation could commence, and to maintain treatment fidelity. The provision of detailed online intervention protocols and manuals may help clinicians to overcome the knowledge barrier.

Trajectories of arm recovery early after stroke: an exploratory study using latent class growth analysis.

AIM: To investigate trajectories of recovery of motor arm function after stroke during inpatient rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were available from 74 consecutively-admitted stroke survivors receiving inpatient rehabilitation from an inception cohort study. Heterogeneity of arm recovery in the first 4-weeks was investigated using latent class analysis and weekly Box and Block Test (BBT) scores. Optimal number of clusters were determined; characterised and cluster associated factors explored. RESULTS: A 4-cluster model was identified, including 19 participants with low baseline arm function and minimal recovery ('LOWstart/LOWprogress', 26%), 15 with moderate function and low recovery ('MODstart/LOWprogress', 20%), 15 with low function and high recovery ('LOWstart/HIGHprogress', 20%), and 25 with moderate function and recovery ('MODstart/MODprogress', 34%). Compared to LOWstart/LOWprogress: LOWstart/HIGHprogress presented earlier post-stroke (ß, 95%CI) (-4.81 days, -8.94 to -0.69); MODstart/MODprogress had lower modified Rankin Scale scores (-0.74, -1.15 to -0.32); and MODstart/LOWprogress, LOWstart/HIGHprogress and MODstart/MODprogress had higher admission BBT (23.58, 18.82 to 28.34; 4.85, 0.85 to 9.61; 28.02, 23.82 to 32.21), Upper Limb-Motor Assessment Scale (9.60, 7.24 to 11.97; 3.34, 0.97 to 5.70; 10.86, 8.77 to 12.94), Action Research Arm Test (31.09, 22.86 to 39.33; 12.69, 4.46 to 20.93; 38.01, 30.76 to 45.27), and Manual Muscle Test scores (10.64, 7.07 to 14.21; 6.24, 2.67 to 9.81; 11.87, 8.72 to 15.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found unique patterns of arm recovery with distinct characteristics for each cluster. Better understanding of patterns of arm recovery can guide future models and intervention development.KEY MESSAGESArm recovery early after stroke follows four distinct trajectories that relate to time post stroke, initial stroke severity and baseline level of motor arm function.Identification of recovery patterns gives insight into the uniqueness of individual's recovery.This study offers a novel approach on which to build and develop future models of arm recovery.

Development of a behaviour change intervention to increase the delivery of upper limb constraint-induced movement therapy programs to people with stroke and traumatic brain injury.

Purpose: Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a recommended intervention for arm recovery after acquired brain injury but is underutilised in practice. The purpose of this study is to describe the development of a behaviour change intervention targeted at therapists, to increase delivery of CIMT.Methods: A theoretically-informed approach for designing behaviour change interventions was used including identification of which behaviours needed to change (Step 1), barriers and enablers that needed to be addressed (Step 2), and intervention components to target those barriers and enablers (Step 3). Data collection methods included file audits and therapist interviews. Quantitative data (file audits) were analysed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data analysis (interviews) was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and Behaviour Change Wheel.Results: Fifty two occupational therapists, physiotherapists and allied health assistants participated in focus groups (n = 7) or individual interviews (n = 6). Key barriers (n = 20) and enablers (n = 10) were identified across 11 domains of the TDF and perceived to influence CIMT implementation. The subsequent behaviour change intervention included training workshops, nominated team champions, community of practice meetings, three-monthly file audit feedback cycles, poster reminders and drop-in support during CIMT.Conclusion: This study describes the development of a behaviour change intervention to increase CIMT delivery by clinicians.Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Trial ID: ACTRN12617001147370.

Constraint induced movement therapy (CIMT) is a highly effective intervention for arm recovery after acquired brain injury, recommended in multiple clinical practice guidelines, yet delivery of CIMT is often not part of routine practice.The Behaviour Change Wheel, COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation- behaviour) system and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) helped identify barriers and enablers to CIMT delivery by therapists, and design a theoretically-informed behaviour change intervention.The effect of the behaviour change intervention on therapists practice can now be evaluated to determine if it increases the delivery of CIMT more routinely in practice.

Adult experiences of constraint-induced movement therapy programmes: a qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour system.

AIM: To explore the experiences of adults who completed a constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) programme, and the barriers and enablers to their participation. METHODS: Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews. Stroke and brain injury survivors (n = 45) who had completed CIMT as part of their usual rehabilitation were interviewed 1 month post-CIMT. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and imported into Nvivo for analysis. Inductive coding was used to identify initial themes. Themes were then deductively mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behaviour system, a behaviour change model, to identify barriers and enablers to CIMT programme adherence and engagement. RESULTS: Enablers influencing participation included being provided with education about the programme (Capability - psychological), seeing improvements in arm function (Motivation - reflective), being committed to the programme (Motivation - reflective) and having strong social support from staff, family and allied health students (Opportunity - social). The structured programme was a motivator and offered a way to fill the time, particularly during inpatient rehabilitation (Opportunity - physical). Barriers to participation included experiencing physical and mental fatigue (Capability - physical) and frustration early in the CIMT programme (Motivation - automatic), and finding exercises boring and repetitive (Motivation - automatic). CONCLUSION: Therapist provision of educational supports for CIMT participants and their families is important to maximise CIMT programme uptake. During CIMT delivery, we recommend the provision of positive feedback and coaching in alignment with CIMT principles, and the inclusion of social supports such as group-based programmes to enhance participant adherence.

Bobath therapy is inferior to task-specific training and not superior to other interventions in improving arm activity and arm strength outcomes after stroke: a systematic review.

QUESTION: What is the effect of Bobath therapy on arm activity and arm strength compared with a dose-matched comparison intervention or no intervention after stroke? DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised trials with meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Adults after stroke. INTERVENTION: Bobath therapy compared with no intervention or other interventions delivered at the same dose as the Bobath therapy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Arm activity outcomes and arm strength outcomes. Trial quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. RESULTS: Thirteen trials were included; all compared Bobath with another intervention, which were categorised as: task-specific training (five trials), arm movements (five trials), robotics (two trials) and mental practice (one trial). The PEDro scale scores ranged from 5 to 8. Pooled data from five trials indicated that Bobath therapy was less effective than task-specific training for improving arm activities (SMD -1.07, 95% CI -1.59 to -0.55). Pooled data from five trials indicated that Bobath therapy was similar to or less effective than arm movements for improving arm activities (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.09). One trial indicated that Bobath therapy was less effective than robotics for improving arm activities and one trial indicated similar effects of Bobath therapy and mental practice on arm activities. For strength outcomes, pooled data from two trials indicated a large benefit of task-specific training over Bobath therapy (SMD -1.08); however, this estimate had substantial uncertainty (95% CI -3.17 to 1.01). The pooled data of three trials indicated that Bobath therapy was less effective than task-specific training for improving Fugl-Meyer scores (MD -7.84, 95% CI -12.99 to -2.69). The effects of Bobath therapy relative to other interventions on strength outcomes remained uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: After stroke, Bobath therapy is less effective than task-specific training and robotics in improving arm activity and less effective than task-specific training on the Fugl-Meyer score. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021251630.