Results of a UK-wide vignette study with occupational therapists to explore cognitive screening post-stroke

Background. There is a paucity of evidence in the UK regarding occupational therapy (OT) cognitive screening, and whether, and how, cognitive impairments are identified and assessed. AimsTo identify current OT practice for the assessment of cognitive problems in patients following stroke.MethodsOTs were invited to complete an online vignette study. Participants were asked to identify any presenting cognitive problems, decide whether to complete cognitive assessments and list any assessments they would use. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis.Findings Fifty-three OTs from across the UK participated. OTs identified key cognitive issues but some problems, such as apraxia and attention, were overlooked. A large number of potential assessments were suggested: the most common were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Oxford Cognitive Screen. Conclusion The variation found in OTs’ recognition and assessment of cognitive problems has potential to impact on management and rehabilitation in stroke services, survivor outcomes, education and research