Current practice and challenges in screening for visual perception deficits after stroke: a qualitative study

Journal article

Purpose We document current clinical practice and needs in screening for visual perception problems after stroke to inform development of new screening tools.

Materials and methods We interviewed 12 occupational therapists and 13 orthoptists. Interviews were thematically analysed using the Value Proposition Canvas, a model which establishes challenges and facilitators in what people want to achieve.

Results Participants’ understanding of visual perception varied and often included sensory and cognitive deficits. Occupational therapists commonly screened for visual field deficits and hemispatial neglect, while other aspects of visual cognition were rarely assessed. A positive screening result triggered an orthoptic referral. Screening generally occurred during functional assessments and/or with in-house developed tools. Challenges to practice were: lack of time, lack of training, environmental and stroke survivor factors (e.g., aphasia), insufficient continuation of care, and test characteristics (e.g., not evidence-based). Facilitators were: quick and practical tools, experienced staff or tools with minimal training requirements, a streamlined care pathway.

Conclusions Screening employs non-standardised assessments and rarely covers higher visual perceptual deficits. We demonstrates the need for an evidence-based visual perception screen, which should ideally be 15 min or less, be portable, and require minimal equipment. The screen should be suitable for bedside testing and aphasia-friendly.

Authors: Vancleef, K; Demeyere, N; Hewitt, O; Colwell, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 2063-2072
• Publication date: 2020-10-05
• Acceptance date: 2020-09-12
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1824245
• ISSN: 0963-8288
• Language: English