Background
The Volunteer Stroke Scheme (VSS) provides patients with the opportunity to participate in community-based therapeutic activities
and physiotherapy sessions.
Aims
To provide the first profile of VSS attendees in terms of their functioning across the range of recommended WHO International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) outcomes.
Methods
A convenience sample of 41 VSS patients completed standardised measures of cognitive functioning (MMSE), activity levels [Frenchay
Activity Index (FAI), and Barthel Index (BI)], depression [Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)] and Quality of Life
(SF-36).
Results
A total of 37% met the criteria for mild cognitive impairment and 44% met the criteria for clinical depression. Scores on
the BI (M = 79.5) and FAI (M = 18.4) incidated limitations in activity levels. Quality of life levels was low.
Conclusions
High levels of psychological morbidity, severe disability across a range of domains and poor quality of life were reported.
Keywords Function - Quality of life - Rehabilitation - Stroke