Understanding and supporting occupational therapists clinical decision-making for the management of upper limb post stoke sensory impairment

Abstract

BackgroundStroke survivors form the largest client group seen by occupational therapists and a large proportion of these stroke survivors experience upper limb post-stroke sensory impairments (ULPSSI) which impact upper limb function and participation. This thesis addresses the clinical decision-making (CDM) of occupational therapists when managing ULPSSI. No appraised and synthesised summary of the research evidence related to the effectiveness of interventions for ULPSSI is available to support therapists' CDM.Information on occupational therapists' practice choices and decisions about managing ULPSSI and the survivors' perspective on ULPSSI is scant. This information could support occupational therapists CDM when addressing ULPSSI and potentially improve stroke survivors' outcomes. Thesis AimsThis thesis aims to:1. Synthesise the effectiveness of interventions for ULPSSI; 2. Explore how occupational therapists make and manage decisions regarding ULPSSI management; 3. Describe practice choices occupational therapists commonly make when managing ULPSSI and the sources of information they use to make these decisions; 4. Compare current assessment choices and intervention practices with recommendations from the research evidence and clinical practice guidelines; 5. Describe the stroke survivors' perspective with regard to ULPSSI; and 6. Design and pilot an evidence-based, theory-driven educational intervention to support occupational therapists' CDM when addressing ULPSSI. Thesis MethodsFive distinct studies addressed the above aims. A Cochrane systematic review evaluated the evidence for the effectiveness of ULPSSI interventions.iii  Twelve occupational therapists participated in a qualitative descriptive study exploring therapists' practice choices and CDM related to ULPSSI. Based on the qualitative study, a survey of 187 occupational therapists described therapists' current practice choices regarding ULPSSI management and factors impacting CDM. A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with 15 stroke survivors explored their experience of ULPSSI and the associated rehabilitation encounter. Finally, based on the need for training expressed by the survey participants, a one group pre-and post-test design, feasibility study evaluated the effect of a one day, theory-based educational intervention on 19 occupational therapists' knowledge, perceived behavioural control, attitudes and intended behaviour regarding ULPSSI management, research utilisation, and shared decision-making. Workshop content incorporated information from the prior research studies forming this thesis. ResultsA Cochrane systematic review located 13 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing ULPSSI interventions, with benefit shown from individual RCTs evaluating mirror therapy, a graded thermal stimulation, and intermittent pneumatic compression. Other single RCTs reporting statistically significant results for repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation, early intensive task-orientated training and graded...