Health Care Professionals knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care to patients post stroke: A Systematic Review: Psychological care for patients post stroke

Abstract
Introduction: Depression and/or anxiety is associated with sub-optimal recovery and a reduction in quality of
life for patients following a stroke. However, the literature suggests that the psychological needs for patients post
stroke are insufficient with poor provision of psychological services.
Aim:To examine HCPs knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care to patients post stroke.
Methods:A systematic review referenced to PRISMA guidelines was used. The studies were retrieved from six
databases (CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley Online library and Ovid SP).
Twelve studies were included in the final analysis.
Results: Findings demonstrate that HCPs have a basic understanding of the psychological/emotional problems
associated with stroke. Psychological care was identified as been given a low priority within stroke rehabilitation
services and described as inconsistent, uncoordinated, and ad hoc. Barriers to providing psychological care included: poor access to specialist expertise; lack of resources and poor managerial support. Furthermore, the need
for specialist supports via case discussion and reflective practice was identified.
Conclusions: This review suggests that improvements in terms of psychological care and services offered to
patients post stroke is needed as is the value of support from managers to provide sufficient resources. This review
has the potential to assist policymakers to understand the barriers and potential facilitators to psychological care
provision to patients post stroke.
Keywords: Stroke, HCPs, rehabilitation services, knowledge, perceptions, experiences, psychological care, service improvement.