DOREEN: The introduction of a stroke unit at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka has significantly improved patient outcomes by providing focused multidisciplinary care for stroke patients, leading to reduced mortality, shorter hospital stays, and improved functional recovery. The unit offers a coordinated approach with specialized medical, nursing, and rehabilitation staff contributing to better diagnosis and treatment. The unit is associated with:
Lower risk of death and a reduced likelihood of poor outcome within a year of the stroke
Specialized neurological care which decreases mortality and hospital complications, leading to lower disability
Improved functional outcomes due to early rehabilitation, thereby helping patients to regain lost function and independence
An amazing multidisciplinary team consisting of medical, nursing, physiotherapy, psychosocial counsellors, and occupational therapy
It is these team members who have participated in the ‘Think Aloud’ sessions for developing the online stroke training modules, identifying issues such as unclear navigation through the material or cultural appropriateness of the content. Participants were invited to complete each module, thinking aloud as they complete the task: “say everything that is going on in your mind”. The team were not shy in offering insights and suggestions! With such feedback we have been able to come up with modules that are not only comprehensive, but simple to use, educative, and fun to look at with very good illustrations.
FRANK: The ‘Think Aloud’ sessions were very impactful with the team members at Chipata Level One Hospital in Lusaka. It was a 1:1 session in formulating the modules and each participant had their own individual experience with each module. The team appreciated the multidisciplinary approach to stroke as shown by the different modules e.g. mood, communication, continence, functional independence, secondary prevention, and discharge planning.
Financial support has been very helpful over the period of the time in which we were reviewing the modules. This included support for data bundles, logistics, food and drinks during the sessions. We are so much grateful for the grants we received. It helped to motivate us and our participants as well.
QUOTES FROM THE TEAMS:
“The mood module has helped me to learn that people with stroke present with different mood swings. I can now safely handle patients with moods knowing that it is part of the presentation for some stroke patients.”
“It’s impactful work. The modules deepened my understanding and empathy for both patients and caregivers, offering a holistic view of stroke’s impact.”
“The modules challenged me to think beyond the clinical treatment, focusing on the human experience.”
“The process taught me kindness, consideration, and deepened my understanding of stroke management in key areas such as mood, speech, and communication.”