Post-stroke care after medical rehabilitation from the perspective of patients, their relatives and clinical experts

Abstract

Background: In Germany, a qualified and efficient post-stroke care after a medical rehabilitation has not been available so far, due to the strict separation of inpatient and outpatient treatments. This gap in the German health care system might cause a burden on caregivers, lead to readmission of the patient to inpatient care, or diminish sustainability of patient’s acquired achievements during rehabilitation. Hence, more information is needed on the management and treatment of post-stroke patients after discharge from rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide recommendations on follow- up care of stroke patients. Methods: The proposed project will be carried out using a mixed method design. Starting out with conducting a 1) first literature review to identify the most recent evidence on current follow-up care in Germany, followed by a second review 2) comparing these findings to international concepts in the Netherlands and Sweden. Following on, primary data will be collected by using 3) questionnaires, and 4) guided interviews for stroke patients, their relatives, rehabilitation practitioners, general practitioners and physiotherapists. Findings of quantitative data will be described using descriptive statistics whereas qualitative findings will be analysed using a grounded theory approach. Conclusion: In order to help closing the above mentioned gap, this dissertation project will develop recommendations to improve post-stroke support of patients and caregivers. Therefore, it will contribute to a topic in health care that is still underdeveloped in Germany.