Dr. Annie McCluskey is a leading figure in stroke rehabilitation in Australia, known for her work with StrokeEd. She discusses innovative techniques in upper limb rehab and the essential role of tele-rehabilitation post-COVID. Annie emphasizes the importance of structured coaching and accountability in patient recovery, particularly when addressing sensitive topics like sexuality and intimacy after a stroke. She also advocates for collaboration between physiotherapists and occupational therapists to improve patient outcomes.
Effective stroke rehabilitation necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that enhances patient engagement and dismantles limiting healthcare policies.
Open discussions about sexuality and intimacy during recovery are vital for stroke survivors, requiring healthcare professionals to improve their communication skills.
Deep dives
The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teamwork in Rehabilitation
Effective rehabilitation, especially for older adults, requires a collaborative approach involving the entire multidisciplinary team rather than relying solely on a few physiotherapists. Coordinated efforts are essential to break down existing policies and systems that may inadvertently limit patient activity and engagement during their recovery. Team engagement is crucial for changing the culture within healthcare facilities, ensuring rehabilitation practices promote active participation rather than confinement. As seen in discussions about previous guests, fostering teamwork among various healthcare professionals can greatly enhance the quality of care provided.
Continued Education Through Stroke Rehabilitation Workshops
Workshops offered by the Stroke Ed collaboration aim to equip therapists with the latest evidence-based skills and techniques for effective stroke rehabilitation. These programs often include direct participation from stroke survivors, allowing clinicians to practice new methods in a supportive environment. Moreover, the workshops focus on current challenges such as maintaining intensity in practice and developing coaching skills for therapists, which are identified as vital areas for improvement. By continually addressing these topics, the workshops contribute to bridging the gap between theory and practice in occupational and physiotherapy.
Breaking Down Barriers to Address Sexuality in Rehabilitation
Research highlights that discussions regarding sexuality and intimacy after a stroke often remain minimized within rehabilitation practices, with many therapists avoiding these topics due to discomfort or cultural beliefs. Yet, studies indicate that stroke survivors desire open conversations about their sexual health as part of their recovery journey. It is essential for all team members to become more comfortable and knowledgeable in addressing these issues, sharing responsibility in facilitating discussions with patients. Training through professional development can help equip clinicians with the necessary communication skills to effectively engage in these critical conversations.
Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Evidence-Based Practices
While there exists a wealth of evidence for effective interventions in stroke rehabilitation, implementation in real-world settings often encounters both individual and systemic barriers. Factors such as knowledge deficits, lack of confidence, and organizational constraints can hinder therapists from adopting these practices in their clinical work. The focus on fostering environments that support evidence-based interventions is crucial for sustainable change, along with mentoring and community practice models to guide therapists. Overall, a collective commitment from healthcare professionals is required to address these barriers and improve the quality of care for stroke survivors.
Dr Annie McCluskey is a powerhouse of the stroke rehabilitation world in Australia. She established the StrokeEd collaboration with her partner Karl Schurr (physiotherapist) as well as making significant research contributions in the areas of sexuality, intimacy and upper limb rehabilitation. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it. 4:50 - Current role 6.23 - COVID story 7:25 - Clinical career 9.15 - StrokeEd collaboration & workshops 13.35 - How the workshops can benefit people of varying experience levels 15:20 - Coaching for motor skill learning 20:00 - Barriers to implementation of EBP 23:15 - Making change post COVID 24:20 - Telerehab benefits 27:50 - Models of knowledge translation 31:00 - The myth of no evidence in stroke rehab 33:25 - Sexuality & Intimacy post stroke 39:25 - Sexuality/Intimacy PDs 42:05 - Including people with post complex impairments in research 44.20 - PTs & OTs should work together
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