Health knowledge after stroke in Switzerland: a survey among health professionals on current practice and suggestions for the implementation of a technology-based educational program for stroke survivors
Abstract
Background
It is estimated that 1 in 4 stroke survivors will experience a second stroke. Educating patients about risk factors for stroke and a generally healthier lifestyle may help prevent recurrent strokes, which are a burden on society and the healthcare system. The goals of this paper were to investigate the estimated level of knowledge of stroke patients regarding their disease, the methods of information commonly used in clinical practice, the topics that should be included in an educational program aimed at improving health knowledge among stroke survivors, and how such a program could be delivered with the help of technology-based education (i.e., information delivered by digital platforms such as smartphones or rehabilitation technologies).
Methods
We performed a survey among health professionals working with stroke patients in Switzerland.
Results
161 health professionals of different backgrounds took part in the survey, and 94 completed it. According to the results, only 33% of healthcare professionals thought that patients were well informed about stroke one month after stroke onset. These findings suggest that there is room for improvement in how stroke patients are educated about stroke, risk factors, and prevention. Additionally, it was highlighted that technology is not commonly used in clinical practice to support patients’ education, although this is an acceptable method for healthcare professionals. The results also helped to identify key topics to be included in an educational program and recommendations for implementing such a program in rehabilitation technologies.
Conclusions
This work allowed gaining more insight into healthcare professionals’ opinions on the potential of technology-based education and key aspects to consider when implementing it to support health and prevention knowledge after stroke. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000701962Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
BMC Health Services ResearchVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
BioMed CentralSubject
Health literacy; Health education; Stroke education; Stroke; Secondary prevention; Educational program; Technology-based education; Technology-assisted rehabilitationMore
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ETH Bibliography
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