Poster Presentation Smart Strokes Annual Scientific Meeting 2025

Acute Inpatient Multidisciplinary Stroke Squad (AIMSS):  Optimising Patient Care in Acute Stroke, Increasing Synaptic and Social Connection. (#110)

Clare T Kendrick 1
  1. ISLHD, Bulli, NSW, Australia

Stroke survivors are at increased risk of isolation and depression during recovery1, highlighting the need for early interventions that support both emotional well-being7 and neurological rehabilitation3,5. Despite national stroke therapy guidelines in Australia2 recommending mood monitoring and targeted therapy delivery, staffing limitations remain a major barrier to achieving optimal care4,6. This 12-month pilot project at Wollongong Hospital aimed to establish a sustainable multidisciplinary therapy group (AIMSS) in an acute stroke unit to increase therapy time, mood screening and patient connection without requiring additional staffing or resources.

Following a literature review and stakeholder engagement, patients (meeting inclusion criteria) participated in therapy groups three times per week. Each session was led by either a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or a speech pathologist. Depending on the needs of the group each day, a typical session includes mood scale completion, 15 minutes of occupational therapy activities (upper limb therapy/ visual retraining) 15 minutes of physiotherapy (ankles and arms program 3 sets/ 10 reps) and 15 minutes of speech therapy (including supported conversation on stroke presentation, background and goals and word finding activities). Data collected included therapy duration, patient mood, and participant feedback. Post-trial, a focus group with MDT members explored feasibility and sustainability.

Over 100 patients received an estimated 4,725 minutes of additional therapy minutes, twice the average of those who did not participate in the group . Qualitative feedback revealed enhanced patient motivation, connection, and mood.  All MDT members reported the model as sustainable and enjoyable. As a result, this model is being rolled out in another stroke unit in the ISLHD and other local health districts are exploring similar programs for their acute units.

This pilot demonstrates that an acute multidisciplinary stroke therapy group is both feasible and beneficial, offering a scalable model for early, holistic stroke rehabilitation.

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  2. 2. Foundation. Living stroke guidelines [Internet]. Melbourne: Stroke Foundation; [cited 2025 May 13]. Available from: https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/for-health-professionals/living-stroke-guidelines
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  6. 6. Organized multi-disciplinary stroke team care improves acute stroke outcomes in resource limited settings; Results of a retrospective study from a Nigerian tertiary hospital Adeniji, Olaleye et al. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 2023 Volume 32, Issue 10, 107307
  7. 7. Cameron JI, Gignac MA, Pransky GS, et al. Interventions for improving psychosocial well-being after stroke: A systematic review and data synthesis. Stroke. 2023;54(6):e123-e132. doi:10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.037123.