Survey: Bermuda needs more stroke rehabilitation services
A nationwide survey has highlighted an “urgent need” for improved stroke rehabilitation services in Bermuda, including more specialised healthcare professionals on the job.
The survey, carried out by Kim Watkins and Sandro Fubler, senior physiotherapist for the Evolution Healing Centre in Paget and released in time for World Stroke Day, recommends several changes, including increased insurance coverage for stroke survivors, an improved stroke care pathway and better specialised multidisciplinary care.
It also calls for more healthcare professionals who can deliver high-quality stroke rehabilitation and the establishment of a support group for survivors and caregivers in Bermuda.
The online survey was carried out over an eight-week period to gather data about the lived experiences of stroke survivors in Bermuda. It was accessed by 205 people and completed by 56 people who met the eligibility criteria.
Of the respondents, 52 per cent were men and 48 per cent were women. The age of participants ranged from 19 to 921, with the average age being 68.
Of the 42 participants that responded to the question, 79 per cent felt that their rehabilitation needs were not met.
Dr Watkins said: “Based on our feedback, it is evident that some people in Bermuda are not receiving the necessary rehabilitation support.
“Conducted as the first of its kind in Bermuda related to rehabilitation, this survey represents a crucial step towards recognising the needs of the community post-stroke.
“As the demand for rehabilitation services is expected to increase globally, it is vital to prioritise affordable healthcare coverage that includes prevention and rehabilitation.
“Bermuda has the potential to provide world-class rehabilitation services with the proper funding, systems and structures in place, and become a model of excellence.”
Participants reported the need for there to be a link for the stroke pathway, from acute to community services, saying there was a lack of support after discharge.
Many faced barriers to accessing rehabilitation due to geographical location, time, staff shortages and lack of healthcare professional groups.
The participants also discussed staff shortages during rehabilitation and said that this impacted therapy.
Dr Watkins said: “There was a need for more healthcare professional groups, such as physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists.
“The participants felt their rehabilitation needs were not met with the amount and intensity of therapy. Most participants felt they wanted more and that more input would benefit their stroke rehabilitation.”
Survey respondents felt they needed more specialised services, healthcare professionals and a specific setting for stroke rehabilitation.
They felt that not all healthcare professionals had experience working with people post-stroke.
Some participants discussed wanting a specific place to complete their rehabilitation, including access to a gym to continue their rehabilitation needs.
Dr Watkins added: “Many of the participants discussed that rehabilitation was costly.
“The participants discussed how they had to stop their therapy or continue doing it without healthcare professional input due to financial constraints.
“There were limits on private services, which reduced the participant's choice of healthcare providers.
“Some of the participants discussed that it was important that during rehabilitation, financial support was available. The participants also discussed the specific needs of those trying to return to work.”
Finally, better communication and information sharing with stroke patients were needed in Bermuda.
Dr Watkins concluded: “The recommendations provided in the survey report should assist policymakers and healthcare providers to develop and implement effective strategies for providing high-quality and affordable rehabilitation services to stroke survivors.
“By prioritising prevention and rehabilitation, Bermuda can become a model of excellence in stroke care and improve the health outcomes, and quality of life of stroke survivors.
“The survey has been an important step towards recognising the needs of the community post-stroke, and we hope that it will lead to positive changes, and improvements in stroke care and rehabilitation services in Bermuda.”
• An event hosted by the Evolution Healing Centre that was due to take place today at Queen Elizabeth Park to mark World Stroke Day has been postponed owing to inclement weather. Some activities may be held at the centre at 25 Point Finger Road in Paget. For more information call 734-2772, email admin@bpralliance.com or visit the website
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