Patient assessments
Twenty-seven (69%) SCCs reported using a structured
assessment protocol. Protocols were informed by various
means including the single assessment process for older
people, the Royal College of Physicians National Clinical
Guidelines for stroke and/or local service requirements.
Some SCCs used protocols that included a combination
of validated outcome measures such as the Barthel index and
the hospital anxiety and depression scale. No single method
appeared to dominate over any other. Of note are four SCCs
from a range of roles who indicated that the type of assessment
imdertaken was mainly medical, focusing on secondary
vascular prevention iind lifestyle advice.
Carer assessments
Of 20 SCCs, 3 (15%) provided individual carer assessments.
These are now caUed Family and Carer support
Coordinators Eleven indicated that carers received assessments
from the Carer's Association. Social Services or the
stroke family support organisers.
Challenges to the role
Eight SCCs reported that the main challenges to fulfilling
their role were excessive workload. Keeping up with
the evidence and service changes, and accessing training
were also recurring themes (n=6 SCCs). Other challenges
related to funding, developing services and making links
with other professionals.
SCCs reported that the main difficulties to meeting the
needs of their client group were lack of psychology services
(n=12). physical, occupational, and speech and language
therapies (n=5), and limited availability of transport (n=5).
Other areas included lack of support groups, facilities