A case for the implementation of cognitive-communication screenings in acute stroke

The purpose of this article was to illustrate the importance of the implementation of cognitive-communication screenings in acute stroke and to discuss the need for further research on whether and how these screenings are implemented. Cognitive-communication screenings after stroke are the subject of existing practice guidelines and are supported by accumulated evidence.

The author uses an autoethnographic narrative--a tool founded in phenomenology--to provide an in-depth description of the experiences of a family in which one member experienced right-hemispheric stroke. She uses systematic introspection to produce a narrative using literary techniques.

The narrative illustrates the experiences of one family when one of their members has a right-hemisphere stroke, and cognitive-communication impairments are never formally identified by professionals involved in the patient's care.

The narrative is linked to the published literature and the importance of identifying and managing cognitive-communication impairments after stroke. A model of implementation science is presented as one way to consider the challenges clinicians face when attempting to implement evidence-based practices. The model and examples from other fields show avenues for further research.