SAFE talks to the authors of the European Life After Stroke Forum 2024 ‘People’s choice’ abstract winners, Siobhán Kerr and Jordan Collins, both from The National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin.
Siobhán Kerr is a Senior Occupational Therapist, who over the last 14 years has amassed a wealth of clinical experience in the field of neurorehabilitation and currently focuses on supporting stroke survivors in their recovery. Her journey began in 2010, when she graduated from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and moved to work both in the United States and Canada before returning to Dublin for her role at the National Rehabilitation Hospital.
‘As a stroke rehabilitation healthcare professional, I bring extensive experience and passion to my role. Over my career, I have been fortunate to gain a diversity of knowledge and skills from working in acute care and intensive rehabilitation settings in addition to understanding the complex long-term needs of stroke survivors.’ she says.
Jordan is a Senior Occupational Therapist in Stroke. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2021 and has worked across acute and subacute rehabilitation services in the city. Jordan recently completed a post graduate certificate in advanced clinical practice which sparked a passion for implementing evidence into practice and stroke rehabilitation.
He explains ‘We have both been involved in the National Rehabilitation Hospital’s specialty stroke program in Dublin, a leading facility providing specialised inpatient services for complex cases. Our work focuses on both physical rehabilitation and on cognitive changes that stroke survivors often experience, emphasising the importance of self-management skills for life after stroke’.
The abstract
Their ‘Service development’ abstract presented at the European Life After Stroke Forum was called the ‘Brain Gym’. The idea for the project came from their observation that physical rehabilitation can often take center stage after a stroke, but cognitive changes are often overlooked or misunderstood by both stroke survivors and their families. The team’s goal was to highlight and increase awareness of these common post-stroke challenges and provide practical strategies to help manage them.
‘Our Brain Gym was a group-based programme which engaged stroke survivors in cognitive exercises, much like a physical gym focuses on body fitness. The idea was to create a space where cognitive rehabilitation could be approached with the same drive and support as physical therapy. We incorporated peer support, education and skills training, all aimed at demystifying cognitive impairments and offering tangible ways to cope with them’, Siobhán explains.
Making a difference
The specialty stroke program in the National Rehabilitation Hospital provides a comprehensive service for stroke survivors from all over Ireland, and for many, it may be their only opportunity to participate in an intensive inpatient rehabilitation program. Access to ongoing cognitive rehabilitation in the community can be very varied and highly dependent on geographical location. The Brain Gym programme has ensured that individuals can engage in intensive cognitive rehabilitation and has been beneficial in supporting and preparing stroke survivors transition from hospital to everyday life.
Jordan explains ‘One outcome of our programme is increased awareness among patients and their families about the cognitive aspects of stroke recovery. Many patients come to us with limited knowledge of these issues and our programme provides crucial education and support’.
Additionally, the feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, showing the value of understanding and addressing these challenges in a supportive group setting. Stroke survivors also reported that taking part in the programme made them feel less isolated.
The European Life After Stroke Forum
The duo found out about the European Life After Stroke Forum through a combination of professional networks and digital platforms. The National Clinical Programme for Stroke in Ireland, along with the Irish Heart Foundation, actively promotes such events, encouraging professionals to share their work and learn from others.
Siobhán explains ‘Programme managers at the National Rehabilitation Hospital are very supportive our participation in these forums and recognise the importance of learning from and contributing to the wider stroke rehabilitation community.’
Why put forward an abstract for European Life After Stroke Forum 2025?
‘The European Life After Stroke Forum offers a unique and invaluable platform for professionals, stroke support organisations and those affected by stroke to come together and share their experiences and insights. For professionals, it is an opportunity to showcase innovative approaches being used in their practice, even if they might seem small or routine in their daily work. It also provides a chance to receive feedback and ideas from peers and service users alike’ Jordan says.
Siobhán adds ‘For us, the Forum was a powerful reminder of the shared challenges and triumphs within the stroke rehabilitation community. It reinforced that even a modest initiative can have a profound impact on those affected by stroke. We also loved the Forum’s inclusive nature, creating a holistic view of the post-stroke experience. For me, it was a chance to inspire and be inspired, to connect with others who share a passion for making a difference, and to leave with new ideas to implement in our own practice. We encourage anyone working in this field to submit their work, no matter how big or small, and be part of this vibrant and supportive community’.
If you would like to contribute to life after stroke research, submit your scientific or service development abstract here before midnight on the 7 October 2024.
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To find out more about the brain gym, please email emma.shortall@nrh.ie.