Improving social outcome after stroke: an evaluation of the volunteer stroke scheme

Abstract

Data were obtained on all referrals of stroke patients to the speech therapy departments of two adjoining Health Authorities, Leeds West and Leeds East. Only Leeds West had a Volunteer Stroke Scheme (VSS) available. Qualified speech and language therapists in both Health Authorities classified patients as dysphasic and/or dysarthric and identified those they thought likely to benefit from support from the VSS. From these latter patients, three groups were identified: Leeds West patients receiving support from the VSS (n = 34); Leeds West patients who refused VSS support (n = 9); and Leeds East patients with no VSS support available (n = 10).

All patients were followed up for one year and changes in Barthel Index, Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and carers' Hospital Anxiety and Depression scores were recorded. Only those patients who received VSS support demonstrated a statistically significant increase in FAI over the year.

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