Review of clinical practice guidelines relating to cognitive assessment in stroke

McMahon, D., Micallef, C. and Quinn, T. J. (2022) Review of clinical practice guidelines relating to cognitive assessment in stroke. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44(24), pp. 7632-7640. (doi: 10.1080/09638288.2021.1980122) (PMID:34928751)

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the content, quality, and supporting evidence base of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with reference to cognitive assessment in stroke. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic review to identify eligible CPGs pertaining to cognitive assessment in adult stroke survivors. We compared content and strength of recommendations. We used the AGREE-II (appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation) tool to appraise the quality of the guideline. Results: Eight eligible guidelines were identified and seven were rated as high quality (i.e., appropriately addressing at least four domains of the AGREE-II tool including “rigor of development”). There was heterogeneity in the recommendations offered and limited guidance on fundamental topics such as which cognitive test to use or when to perform testing. Generally, the lowest quality of evidence (expert opinion) was used to inform these recommendations. Conclusions: Although assessment of cognition is a key aspect of stroke care, there is a lack of guidance for clinicians. The limited evidence base, in part, reflects the limited research in the area. A prescriptive approach to cognitive assessment may not be suitable, but more primary research may help inform practice.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Quinn, Professor Terry and McMahon, Dr David
• Authors: McMahon, D., Micallef, C., and Quinn, T. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0963-8288
• ISSN (Online): 1464-5165
• Published Online: 20 December 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Disability and Rehabilitation 44(24): 7632-7640
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License