Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Enhancing Stroke Care in Ghana: A Systematic Review of Stroke Rehabilitation Services Publisher Pubmed



Kankam SB1, 3, 6 ; Habibzadeh A2, 5 ; Amirikah MT3, 4 ; Mensah PKN3 ; Fordjour CO3 ; Matekole MN3 ; Danso SE3 ; Jalloh M1 ; Osifala O3 ; Kwapong FL7 ; Afriyie AA8 ; Zeto R7 ; Fokorede O3
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard, Medical School, United States
  2. 2. Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
  3. 3. Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, United States
  4. 4. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ghana Medical Center, Univerity of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
  5. 5. USERN Office, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
  6. 6. Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. General Medicine Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
  8. 8. Department of Public Health, McGill University, Canada

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Published:2024


Abstract

Objective: In Ghana, the shifting demographics of stroke incidence towards young adults have prompted the expansion of stroke care and rehabilitation efforts. Nevertheless, the precise impact of stroke rehabilitation remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to explore the landscape and effects of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana. Method: We identified articles on stroke rehabilitation services in Ghana through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until February 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, supplemented by qualitative synthesis. Results: Among the 213 articles screened, 8 were deemed suitable for review. These studies primarily focused on two groups: stroke survivors (n = 335) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (n = 257). Many stroke survivors reported significant benefits from telerehabilitation, with increased participation in rehabilitation activities correlating with improved physical and cognitive outcomes. The findings also underscored a lack of knowledge about stroke rehabilitation among HCPs, alongside variations in the availability of protocols and guidelines for stroke management across different hospital levels. Conclusions: The review reveals several challenges in stroke rehabilitation in Ghana, including disparities in HCPs' perceptions and utilization of rehabilitation services. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, patient-centered approaches, standardized training for HCPs, improved resource allocation, and the integration of telehealth to overcome barriers and enhance stroke rehabilitation in Ghana. These insights hold significance not only for Ghana but also for guiding strategies in similar contexts worldwide, aiming to improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes. © 2024 Elsevier Inc.
Related Docs
1. The Effect of Interventions on Quality of Life, Depression, and the Burden of Care of Stroke Patients and Their Caregivers: A Systematic Review, Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (2025)
Experts (# of related papers)
Fatemeh Bahramnezhad (1)