The development of the stroke physiotherapy
intervention recording tool (SPIRIT)

Tyson, S; Selley, A

Abstract

Purpose: To develop a recording system that describes
physiotherapy interventions for the rehabilitation of postural
control post-stroke.
Methods: Design: A draft recording tool was developed using
the method described by Edwards et al,12 involving literature
searches and collaboration with senior clinicians. It was
piloted with stroke physiotherapists using a cross-sectional
survey design to assess validity, utility and completeness.
Participants used the recording tool to record five treatment
sessions. Feedback regarding the utility and completeness of
the system was obtained via short semi-structured interviews.
Setting: 11 NHS Trusts. Participants: 35 stroke physiotherapists
working in acute and rehabilitation settings recorded the
treatment of 120 patients in 590 treatment sessions.
Results: A double-sided A4 form with a checklist of 79
physiotherapy interventions in 9 categories was produced:
the Stroke Physiotherapy Intervention Recording Tool (SPIRIT).
The participants found it quick and easy to use and
reflective of clinical practice. There were a few missing
interventions and some confusion regarding definition of
terms. Revisions were to include the omitted interventions
and to produce a user’s booklet defining the categories and
interventions.
Conclusions: SPIRIT provides a system for recording physiotherapy
treatment for stroke patients which reflects current
clinical practice in acute and rehabilitation settings.

Citation

intervention recording tool (SPIRIT). Disability and Rehabilitation, 26(20), 1184-1188. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280410001714781

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2004
• Deposit Date: Mar 23, 2010
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 20
• Pages: 1184-1188
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09638280410001714781
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09638280410001714781