The national guideline should bring together the best available evidence and make practical recommendations. Looking at this one document may mean that you don’t have to spend valuable time searching databases for evidence. It is always good to start here. (See the Evidence based guidelines topic loop on the right for further information.)
- You should familiarise yourself with the Scottish Stroke Care Standards
- There is no one section specifically addressing the amount of physiotherapy
- However there are sections within the guideline which address the intensity for some specific problems (Section 4.3.12 addresses intensity of interventions for improving upper limb function and Section 4.2.13 addresses intensity of interventions for improving gait: see Additional Information)
- The guideline recommends increased intensity of intervention to improve gait, but does not recommend increased intensity to improve upper limb function
So, the national guidelines do not provide one clear answer to the question relating to the best amount of physiotherapy after stroke. You may decide that this gives you enough information to write your response to the letter of complaint or you may feel that you still need more information.
If a national guideline does not answer your question, or doesn’t give you enough information to answer it fully, a search for high quality evidence addressing your question can be helpful. (See the Evidence topic loop on the right for further information.)
How would you perform a search for high quality evidence addressing your question about the amount of physiotherapy?
Topic Loops:
Page last reviewed: 16 Sep 2020
