Interprofessional Collaboration in Pain Management for Stroke Patients: A Qualitative Study with Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Stroke patients often experience significant pain due to various neurological complications, including paralysis, sensory dysfunction, and motor disorders. Effective pain management is crucial to improving recovery outcomes and enhancing quality of life. However, pain in stroke patients is often poorly managed, especially chronic pain such as neuropathic pain, which impacts rehabilitation efforts. Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) plays a vital role in addressing these challenges by bringing together healthcare professionals from various fields such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and nutritionists to provide comprehensive care. This qualitative study aims to explore the application of IPC in pain management for stroke patients, focusing on the experiences and challenges faced by interprofessional teams. The study utilizes a thematic analysis of relevant literature, examining the roles of different healthcare professionals, the barriers to effective collaboration, and the impact of IPC on patient outcomes. Findings indicate that while IPC improves pain management and rehabilitation outcomes, challenges such as communication barriers, role confusion, and a lack of shared training remain prevalent. Addressing these issues through structured communication, regular team meetings, and comprehensive interprofessional education can enhance collaboration and improve care for stroke patients. The study provides insights into how IPC can be optimized in clinical practice to improve pain management and stroke recovery.