What should nurses do on post-stroke depression? A global systematic assessment of clinical practice guidelines

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mental disorder in post-stroke patients. Yet, the recommendations related to nursing in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have not been systematically sorted out. This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of current CPGs related to PSD and develop an algorithm using nursing process as a framework for nurses.

A systematic assessment of CPGs.

A systematic search for relevant CPGs published between 2017 and 2022 was conducted. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Ⅱ instrument was used to assess methodological quality. Recommendations related to nursing practice from high-quality CPGs were summarised and developed into an algorithm to provide reference for the standardised construction of nursing practice scheme.

497 records were initially identified from database searches and other sources. Finally, 12 CPGs were included, of which 6 were rated as high quality. A total of 35 recommendations from the 6 highest-scoring CPGs were summarised and used to develop an algorithm.

This study indicated deficiencies and variability in current available CPGs. Based on six high-quality CPGs, we developed an algorithm to facilitate nurses' adherence to CPGs and contribute to evidence-based nursing. In the future, more nursing specialists should participate in the formulation of the CPGs to provide nursing insights.