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Screening and follow-up care for cognitive and emotional problems after transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke: a national, cross-sectional, online survey among neurologists in the Netherlands

Slenders J, Van den Berg-Vos R, Visser-Meily J, van Heugten C, Kwa V

BMJ open, 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After stroke, many patients experience cognitive and/or emotional problems. While national guidelines recommend screening for these problems, actual screening rates might be limited.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the clinical practice at neurology departments regarding screening, information provision and follow-up care for cognitive and emotional problems after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and ischaemic stroke.

METHODS: A nationwide, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted between October 2018 and October 2019 among neurologists in all hospitals in the Netherlands.

RESULTS: Neurologists in 78 hospitals were invited to join the survey, and 52 (67%) of them completed it. Thirty-one (59%) neurologists reported that screening for cognitive problems after TIA and ischaemic stroke was mostly or always performed. When cognitive screening was performed, 42 (84%) used validated screening instruments. Twenty-nine (56%) of the respondents reported that screening for emotional problems was mostly or always performed. When emotional screening was performed, 31 (63%) reported using validated screening instruments. Timing of screening and information provision was highly variable, and the majority reported that there was no protocol for follow-up care when cognitive or emotional problems were found.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that clinical practice at neurology departments is highly variable regarding screening, information provision and follow-up…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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