Psychosocial care in DHB-based stroke services in Aotearoa: a survey of current practice

Stroke has significant psychosocial impacts which contribute to burden for the person with stroke and affect stroke outcomes. The Psychosocial Working Group of the National Stroke Network (NSN) sought to survey current practices for assessing and supporting psychosocial needs within district health board (DHB) based stroke services to inform national service delivery initiatives.

The survey was conducted in 2021. It was distributed to senior clinicians in all DHBs via the NSN.

Thirty-seven responses were received from stroke services, representing 90% of DHBs. Sixty-three percent of services reported some process for screening for psychosocial needs. Of these, only 11% used validated screens. Variability in the type of psychosocial support was evident. Seven percent of services had routine access to psychology, while 53% could access psychology on referral. There was limited evidence of specific screening and support processes for Māori, Pacific peoples, or those with communication impairments. Respondents identified training and resources needs to enable better psychosocial care.

Stroke services are not consistently meeting national guidelines which require all services have a process for screening for psychosocial needs. This survey has informed a work programme to support psychosocial care practices in stroke services in Aotearoa New Zealand.