Cerebrovascular Accident: Impact of Educational Intervention Program on Patients’ Knowledge and Practice Regarding Shoulder Care

Background: Cerebrovascular accident is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in shoulder complications like subluxation and pain, which hinder rehabilitation and reduce quality of life. Despite the importance of proper shoulder care, many patients lack the knowledge and skills to manage these issues effectively. Aim: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention program on patients’ knowledge and practices regarding cerebrovascular accident shoulder care. Research Design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in the neurology department at Assiut Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery University Hospital. Sample: Sixty stroke patients with shoulder complications were randomly assigned to a study group which received an educational intervention with a booklet, or a control group which received routine care. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool I: Patient Assessment Sheet. Tool II: Knowledge and Practice Evaluation Form. Tool III: Shoulder Care Educational Intervention Program (Teaching Booklet). Results: No significant differences were found between groups at baseline. Post-intervention, knowledge improved from 30.1% to 85.3% and practice from 28.7% to 81.5% in the study group (p < 0.001), with gains sustained at three-month follow-up. Conclusion: The educational intervention program effectively improved patients’ knowledge and practices related to shoulder care. Recommendations: Educational intervention programs should be incorporated into stroke rehabilitation protocols. Booklets should be distributed, and further research is needed to explore scalability and long-term effects.