Exploring allied health professionals' perceptions and practice in Ireland regarding guideline recommendations for intensity of multidisciplinary therapy for stroke survivors: A qualitative study.

This article examines the attitudes and practices of allied health professionals working in stroke care in Ireland regarding the 2023 National Clinical Guideline for Stroke, which recommends a minimum of three hours of multidisciplinary therapy daily for stroke survivors with motor recovery goals. Through qualitative interviews with 11 therapists and therapy assistants across five acute teaching hospitals in Dublin, the study identifies barriers such as staffing shortages, limited therapy space, and patient acuity, alongside enablers including positive therapist attitudes, availability of equipment, and patient motivation. Participants employ various strategies to increase therapeutic time, notably emphasizing the valuable role of therapy assistants, group therapy, technology use, and fostering a rehabilitation-focused ward culture. The findings suggest that while achieving the guideline's therapy intensity is challenging, allied health professionals are motivated to meet these recommendations and highlight the need for updated staffing guidelines and further evaluation of therapy assistants' contributions.