Results Of Online Stroke Survey Released
A online survey in Bermuda collected data from 56 respondents, finding that some stroke survivors “are not receiving the necessary rehabilitation support.”
A spokesperson said, “For this project, a nationwide online survey was conducted to gather data about the lived experiences of stroke survivors in Bermuda. The online survey was available to any stroke survivor who met the eligibility criteria.
“We plan to use this data to inform what is happening through the stroke pathway and put forth any recommendations that would be useful for survivors and the community. The aim of the survey was to gather the lived experiences of those in Bermuda after having a stroke. The survey ran for eight weeks. During that time, 205 people accessed the online survey, and 56 people completed the survey.
“We want to thank everyone who shared their stroke rehabilitation experiences and AGE Concern for their ongoing support.
“Based on our feedback, it is evident that some people in Bermuda are not receiving the necessary rehabilitation support. Conducted as the first of its kind in Bermuda related to rehabilitation, this survey represents a crucial step towards recognizing the needs of the community post-stroke.
“As the demand for rehabilitation services is expected to increase globally, it is vital to prioritize affordable healthcare coverage that includes prevention and rehabilitation. Bermuda has the potential to provide world-class rehabilitation services with the proper funding, systems, and structures in place and become a model of excellence.
“The survey report recommends several changes including:
- Increasing insurance coverage for private insurers and the government
- Establishing an improved stroke care pathway
- Providing specialized multidisciplinary care
- Increasing the number of healthcare professionals that can deliver high-quality stroke rehabilitation
- Establishing a support group for survivors and caregivers in Bermuda.
“Why is this survey important?
“In Bermuda, by 2026, there is expected to be population growth with a rise in the proportion of seniors [65 years and older] [Government of Bermuda Department of Statistics, 2016]. Even with the smaller population size of Bermuda, there is a rising number of stroke incidents [Dyer, 2022; Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2022].
“Data collected from the Bermuda Hospitals Board estimates somewhere between 200-300 incidences of stroke annually. Nationally, the Ministry of Health has identified stroke as the second leading cause of death in 2019 and the third leading cause of disability in Bermuda [Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2022].
“Therefore, prevention and rehabilitation should be one of the leading health priorities due to the growing number of stroke survivors on the island. Currently, there are limited stroke rehabilitation services in Bermuda, although international data shows that structured, organized, coordinated, multidisciplinary services can improve post-stroke outcomes [Clarke & Forster, 2015; Langhorne et al., 2011; Prvu Bettger & Stineman, 2007].
Survey Findings
“Participants had various rehabilitation experiences due to going overseas and returning to Bermuda, and many reported gaps in stroke rehabilitation services. It was impossible to get treated for everything related to their stroke rehabilitation needs. There needed to be a link for the stroke pathway from acute to community services. Once discharged, some of the participants felt that there needed to be more support.
“The participants reported that having coordination of services on discharge and improved access to services promptly was important.
“Participants faced barriers to accessing rehabilitation due to geographical location, time, staff shortages, and lack of healthcare professional groups. The participants also discussed staff shortages during rehabilitation and that this impacted therapy. There was a need for more healthcare professional groups, such as physiotherapists and speech and language therapists.
“The participants felt their rehabilitation needs were not met with the amount and intensity of therapy. Most participants felt they wanted more and that more input would benefit their stroke rehabilitation.
“The participants felt they needed more specialized services, healthcare professionals, and a specific setting for stroke rehabilitation. They felt that not all healthcare professionals had experience working with people post-stroke. Some participants discussed wanting a specific place to complete their rehabilitation, including access to a gym to continue their rehabilitation needs.
“Many of the participants discussed that rehabilitation was costly. The participants discussed how they had to stop their therapy or continue doing it without healthcare professional input due to financial constraints. There were limits on private services, which reduced the participant’s choice of healthcare providers.
“Some of the participants discussed that it was important that during rehabilitation, financial support was available. The participants also discussed the specific needs of those trying to return to work.
“Communication and information sharing with patients were needed in Bermuda, and it was found that support through the service was imperative. The participants suggested that support groups were needed for their stroke rehabilitation journey. This support included not only systems and organizations but also from their peers and was also necessary for the caregivers.
“This suggestion is part of the rehabilitation journey and is as essential as the other components of physical rehabilitation.
“The findings of this survey highlight the urgent need for improved stroke rehabilitation services in Bermuda. The recommendations provided in the survey report should assist policymakers and healthcare providers to develop and implement effective strategies for providing high-quality and affordable rehabilitation services to stroke survivors.
“By prioritizing prevention and rehabilitation, Bermuda can become a model of excellence in stroke care and improve the health outcomes and quality of life of stroke survivors. The survey has been an important step towards recognizing the needs of the community post-stroke, and we hope that it will lead to positive changes and improvements in stroke care and rehabilitation services in Bermuda.”
The full survey report follows below [PDF here]:
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