Acute stroke unit booklet: Bridging the information gap between patients, relatives and providers

Abstract

Background / Problem Identified: Following a stroke, patients are often confronted with many impairments, which can trigger many questions from their relatives. Establishing clear and regular communication with the relatives can be challenging when using a multidisciplinary team approach. Also, the ability to retain all the information and new medical terminology by both patients and their relatives can be limited during this stressful time. The aim of the acute stroke unit booklet is to provide medical and practical information relevant to the acute stroke patients, and their relatives, admitted to the acute stroke unit in St. Finbarr’s Ward, Mercy University Hospital. Measurement Methods / Design / Strategy: The development of the Acute Stroke Unit Booklet was carried out in two phases. Phase I, a review of the published Stroke unit Booklets from UK and Irish Hospitals/Organizations was conducted. MDT opinions and suggestions were also sought. In phase II, the booklet was formally validated by inviting the MDT to assess each relevant section of the booklet for adequacy, coverage and readability of the content. Results / Lessons learned / Limitations: The 44 page booklet was organized into 13 sections. The MDT section incorporates 7 departments and every department provided feedback. The booklet was primarily distributed and explained to acute stroke patients. Where the patient’s cognitive status was significantly impacted, the booklet was then assigned to the patients’ relatives. Conclusions / Reflections: A simple, illustrated information booklet designed for acute stroke patients and their relatives using clear and plain language is an effective mean to maintain communication between patients, relatives and providers. A similar approach focusing on aphasic stroke patients and cognitively impaired stroke patients could be adopted for the development of other accessible information booklets.