Barriers to Care for Poststroke Visual Deficits in Alberta, Canada

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Poststroke visual impairment (VI) significantly impacts stroke survivor rehabilitation and quality of life.
• Current care gaps exist in managing VI during acute and inpatient rehabilitation phases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess stroke survivor and healthcare provider perspectives on poststroke VI care in Alberta, Canada.
• To identify key areas for improvement in the care pathway for poststroke VI.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study involving surveys of stroke survivors (n=46) and healthcare providers (n=87).
• Quantified patient preparedness, adequacy of referral processes, and support for enhanced care strategies.

Main Results:

• Only 35% of survivors felt prepared for VI at discharge.
• Fewer than 25% of survivors and 16% of providers found referral processes adequate.
• Over 80% of survivors and 95% of providers supported a provincial clinical pathway.

Conclusions:

• Significant deficits exist in preparing stroke survivors for VI and in current referral processes.
• A coordinated, provincial clinical pathway is strongly advocated to improve poststroke VI care quality and patient outcomes.