Reply to the letter regarding the article entitled: “Access to rehabilitation after
stroke in Brazil (AReA study): multicenter study protocol”
Dear editor,
Cacho et al.[1] intend to conduct a nationwide study that focuses on access to rehabilitation for
patients after a stroke. This research is fundamental and necessary. However, the
primary problem is that they consider physical therapy as the main outcome, stating
that other types of rehabilitation (such as speech language pathologists, physiatrists,
occupational therapy, etc.) are scarce and probably won't be measured in terms of
the number of patients referred to rehabilitation. Consequently, the questionnaire
neglects most of these aspects. A questionnaire can be an effective tool to systematically
gather this information. By including all aspects of rehabilitation in the questionnaire,
stroke patients can provide detailed and accurate feedback about their recovery journey,
including their physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and social support.[2]
Furthermore, a comprehensive questionnaire can help healthcare professionals identify
the areas where a stroke patient may need additional support or resources. For example,
if a patient reports difficulties with their daily activities, such as bathing or
dressing, then rehabilitation professionals can provide targeted interventions to
help them regain their independence.[2]
Multidisciplinary care is crucial in stroke rehabilitation because it provides a comprehensive
approach to addressing the complex needs of stroke patients. Stroke can have a significant
impact on multiple areas of a person's life, including their physical, cognitive,
emotional, and social functioning.[3] Therefore, a team of healthcare professionals with diverse expertise is needed to
address all of these aspects of recovery.
By working together, a multidisciplinary team can ensure that stroke patients receive
coordinated and effective care that addresses all of their needs. This can result
in improved outcomes, including faster recovery, reduced disability, and a better
quality of life for stroke survivors.[4] Therefore the need for those aspects to be reinforced in the study protocol
Knowing that stroke patients received multidisciplinary care can also provide reassurance
to family members and caregivers, who may be concerned about their loved one's recovery.[3] It can help them feel confident that their loved one is receiving the best possible
care and support during this challenging time.
Rehabilitation after stroke can involve various interventions, including physical
therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological support, and social work
services. Each of these interventions can have a significant impact on a person's
recovery, and neglecting any one of them can result in incomplete or inaccurate conclusions
about the effectiveness of stroke rehabilitation.
Furthermore, neglecting some aspects of rehabilitation after stroke can lead to underestimating
the true impact of stroke on a person's life. Stroke survivors often face significant
challenges in their daily lives, including difficulty with mobility, communication,
and daily living activities.[4] Neglecting these aspects of rehabilitation can result in overlooking the true impact
of stroke and its effect on a person's quality of life.
In summary, including all aspects of rehabilitation in a questionnaire for stroke
patients is essential to ensure that healthcare professionals have a complete understanding
of a patient's recovery needs and experiences. This information can help guide the
development of tailored rehabilitation programs that address a patient's individual
needs and goals.
