International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
Dominique A Cadilhac
Australia
Research Article
Interdisciplinary Team Interactions in Stroke Units: Can Team Dynamics Influence Patient Outcomes from a Clinician?s Perspective
Author(s): Tara Purvis, Julie Bernhardt, Bent Indredavik and Dominique A CadilhacTara Purvis, Julie Bernhardt, Bent Indredavik and Dominique A Cadilhac
Objective: Unlike patient-level data, qualitative research allows the exploration of interdisciplinary team (IDT) dynamics that may contribute to understanding why some stroke units (SUs) achieve better outcomes. Evidence from meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials suggests not all SUs perform equally with one hospital in Trondheim, Norway outshining others in terms of better patient outcomes. This study aimed to describe and compare the functioning of the IDT in a SU in Australia to the Trondheim SU, to begin to explore factors which explain why there are differences in outcomes. Methods: The Australian site, one of the longest established in Australia, was an ‘acute’ SU that provides care within the first 7-10 days after stroke (most common model in Australia). The Norwegian site, a ‘comprehensive’ SU, provides additional rehabilitation, with superior .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-9096.S3-007