Physiotherapists' decision-making about transition to independent walking in hospital after stroke: a qualitative study

CONCLUSIONS: Decision-making about independent walking for people in a hospital after a stroke is complex. Improved guidance about clinical assessment of capacity and determining acceptable risk may enable physiotherapists to engage more in shared decision-making.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONRegaining independence in walking after a stroke comes with the potential risk of falls.Assessment of walking safety should be specific to the complexity of the situation and consider perception and cognition.Benefits of activity and autonomy, and the risk of falls need to be considered in decisions about walking independence.Patients with the capacity to understand consequences and accept risk can be active participants in determining what is sufficiently safe.PMID:37578096 | DOI:10.1080/09638288.2023.2245757

Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - August 14, 2023 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Liz Bainbridge Kathy Briffa Elissa Burton Keith D Hill Robyn Fary Source Type: research