Stroke awareness

Appropriate stroke information should be given to people with aphasia and their families.

Reference: Smith et al., 2008
NHMRC level of Evidence: I

Rationale: Research shows that stroke patients (including those with aphasia) and their families are dissatisfied with the information provided and have a poor understanding of stroke and associated issues (Smith et al., 2008). There is evidence that provision of stroke information can improve patient and carer knowledge of stroke, aspects of patient satisfaction, and may reduce patient depression scores (Smith et al., 2008). However, the provision of printed health education materials to people with aphasia does not routinely take into consideration their language and associated reading difficulties (Rose, Worrall, & McKenna, 2003). Aphasia-friendly materials have been shown to assist people with aphasia to comprehend health information (Rose et al., 2003). Additionally, providing information in a way that actively involves patients and families, such as offering repeated opportunities to ask questions, has been shown to be more effective than when given on one occasion only (Smith et al., 2008).

RESOURCES:

Where can I find information about stroke?

1. National Health Services (NHS) Quality Improvement Scotland and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network have developed booklets for patients and their families about stroke and rehabilitation after stroke.  Click on the links below to access these resources. 

• Rehabilitation after stroke - a booklet for patients and their carers and families. 
• Stroke Assessment - booklet for patients. 

2. The Australian Aphasia Guide is a book designed for people with aphasia, their family members, their caregivers and friends. It has a section about stroke and the effects of stroke. This book was written by a person with aphasia and three speech pathologists. It is in 'aphasia-friendly' format. This book can be purchased through the Australian Aphasia Association website. 

How do I make information 'aphasia friendly'?

1. Text formatting for aphasia friendly health information  
2. Written stroke and aphasia information: preferences of people with aphasia

References:

1. Rose, T., Worrall, L., & McKenna, K. (2003). The effectiveness of aphasia‐friendly principles for printed health education materials for people with aphasia following stroke. Aphasiology, 17(10), 947-963. doi: 10.1080/02687030344000319

2. Smith, J., Forster, A., House, A., Knapp, P., Wright J., J., & Young, J. (2008). Information provision for stroke patients and their caregivers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2). http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/cochrane/clsysrev/articles/CD001919/frame.html doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001919.pub2 

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