Executive dysfunction post-stroke: an insight into the perspectives of physiotherapists

Abstract

Purpose: To gain an understanding of physiotherapy practice in relation to executive dysfunction (ED) post-stroke. Method: Three focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interview schedules to highlight how ED post-stroke was understood by 12 physiotherapists with greater than 1 year of experience working in the area of stroke care. The focus group data were analysed using qualitative data analysis. Results: The themes extracted from the data on physiotherapists’ self-reported knowledge of ED post-stroke were: physiotherapists’ lack of knowledge of ED post-stroke; current physiotherapy practice regarding ED post-stroke; the negative impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke and the future learning needs of physiotherapists regarding ED post-stroke. Conclusions: Current results demonstrate that ED has negative implications for physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke. Although further interdisciplinary research is warranted, the present results suggest that physiotherapists should be aware of the presence of ED in people post-stroke and develop strategies to minimise the impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Physiotherapists report a lack of knowledge of ED post-stroke and a requirement for future learning and training regarding the optimal management of people with ED undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke.

• ED has negative implications for physiotherapy rehabilitation post-stroke and physiotherapists should be aware of the presence of ED in people post-stroke and develop strategies to minimise the impact of ED on physiotherapy rehabilitation.

• Executive dysfunction
• physiotherapy
• qualitative research
• rehabilitation
• stroke

Declaration of interest

This research was funded by a research grant from Trinity College Dublin.