Developing a stroke-vision care pathway: a consensus study

Purpose:We aimed to develop a stroke-vision care pathway for stroke survivors with visual impairment. Methods:A literature review searched key electronic bibliographic databases for care pathways related to stroke/vision. Two focus group meetings using semi-structured/nominal group technique reached consensus on items relevant for inclusion in a stroke-vision care pathway. Following the development of the pathway, we obtained feedback through consultation with patient and professional groups. Results:The literature review identified two care pathways relevant to acute stroke and generic vision disorders. Outputs from focus groups related to how stroke survivors present with vision problems; the time points at which stroke survivors present with vision symptoms; the relevance of different types of visual condition to different vision services; the importance of support services supplementary to hospital services and; the importance of key resources to promote awareness of vision problems in stroke survivors. Refinement of the pathway considered time duration from stroke onset, reporting of symptoms to services, and signposting/referrals required dependent on visual condition type. Conclusions:This new stroke-vision care pathway is a process pathway describing potential options for stroke survivors with visual impairment to access health care and obtain appropriate referral(s) to vision services relevant to their specific vision problem(s).