Barriers, Facilitators and Design of a Health Communication Passport for Stroke: Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract Background The Irish National Stroke Strategy (2022-2027) (HSE, 2022) has recommended the introduction of a Stroke Passport. The proposed Stroke Passport aims to streamline the transition from acute care to community care for stroke patients and their family/caregivers. The aim of this study was to explore perspectives of Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), on the purpose, design, format, and content of a Stroke Passport. Methods Focus groups were conducted with HCPs who worked in an acute stroke ward and/or Early Supported Discharge (ESD) team for Stroke. Interview data were analysed using Braun & Clark’s (2022) six-step Thematic Analysis framework. Results Twenty-two HCPs took part in one of the four focus groups (acute stroke ward n=19, ESD n=3). Participants included: Health and Social Care Professionals (n=10), Nursing staff (n=6), Medical doctors (n=3), Pharmacist (n=1), Clinical Neuropsychologist-in-training (n=1) and a Medical Social Worker (n=1). Four themes and 12 subthemes were generated from the data namely (1) Information provision: Patient Factors (Theme 1), Information provision: External Factors (Theme 2), Benefits and usability of a Stroke Passport (Theme 3) and Logistics of Implementation (Theme 4). Findings suggest that a Stroke Passport has the potential to empower patients and family/caregivers. There was agreement that a Stroke Passport should be co-designed and digital rather than paper based to address the complex needs of stroke patients. Key factors were identified that pose potential obstacles to implementation. This includes limited digital infrastructure and the ability of Healthcare Information Systems to communicate across systems (interoperability). Conclusion The provision of a Stroke Passport was considered an important asset to patient care. However, greater attention to addressing current gaps in the Irish healthcare system, particularly digital infrastructure during the transition from hospital to home is required prior to implementation. Learnings may be found internationally in the interim to address the aims of the Stroke Passport.