ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A232 PERCEIVED PREVALENCE AND ASSESSMENT OF MENTAL ILL-HEALTH IN STROKE PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT APHASIA - A NATIONAL SURVEY AMONG HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Abstract Background and aims Mental ill-health is common after stroke. Stroke survivors with aphasia are at higher risk of depression and anxiety, but communication impairment makes identification challenging. This study investigates if, how, and by whom mental health is assessed in Swedish stroke care, and whether adequate resources to assess mental health in stroke patients with aphasia are available. Methods An electronic survey was distributed to healthcare professionals (HCP) in stroke care and rehabilitation across Sweden. Results 981 respondents completed the entire survey and were included in the analysis. Mental health screening is relatively rare. HCP perceive mental ill-health as more common among patients with aphasia than among other stroke patients, but also that their mental health is assessed less frequently, with a risk that aphasia patients who need mental health support are not identified. Assessment procedures are inconsistent. Physicians, psychologists, and social workers are generally viewed as responsible for assessment of mental health, but these professions do not always work with patients with aphasia, and are lacking particularly in later phases of rehabilitation. HCPs attempt to adapt assessment procedures but report lacking aphasia-friendly material and competence in communication strategies. Conclusions According to HCP, mental health is not assessed adequately in stroke care, especially in patients with aphasia. More mental health professionals, increased competence in communication strategies, increased collaboration between professions, and access to aphasia-friendly assessment materials are important to improve mental health care for stroke patients with and without aphasia. Conflict of interest Camilla Olsson: Nothing to disclose. Ellika Schalling: Nothing to disclose.