Achieving eating independence in an acute stroke ward: Developing a collaborative care plan

Aim: This article outlines the development and implementation of a collaborative feeding care plan (FCP) for stroke patients in an acute stroke ward. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of an ecological intervention to improve eating independence in an acute stroke ward environment. Methods: An action research approach comprising seven stages—determine the initial problem, develop the care plan, act, reflect and monitor progress, evaluate, reflect, and refine plan—was used to track environmental changes during the development and implementation of the FCP in an acute stroke ward in an Australian regional hospital. During the evaluation phase, six allied health staff completed a survey on the FCP. The staff also completed an observation assessment integrating the Eating Disability Scale, Functional Independence Measure and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure with 12 participants with acute stoke (participants with FCP=6; participants without FCP=6). Results: The FCP group showed significant improvements in upper limb independence (p=0.046), when comparing mean admission scores (3.5±0.97) with discharge scores (4.17±2.14). Clinically significant improvements in levels of collaboration between health professionals were also demonstrated. Conclusions: The changes in team collaboration and the patient’s upper limb independence indicate how environmental change can influence acute stroke patient outcomes. It is recommended that this study be expanded to further explore the effect of ecological interventions and change.