Staff perceptions of psychological care on a stroke rehabilitation unit

This article describes the general principles of a psychological care model and the outcomes of a questionnaire survey with members of a multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation team. Twenty-eight staff members' responses concerning their understanding and attitudes about the presented model were analysed. The responses revealed that rehabilitation staff had good knowledge about possible psychological reactions of patients following a stroke. They were supportive of the idea that it is important to understand and address patients' psychological needs to improve recovery. The survey revealed differing opinions regarding the way such a service could be implemented. Furthermore, the outcomes described personal requirements of rehabilitation staff in addressing the psychological care needs of patients. The results of the survey will have implications for staff training programmes and service developments.