Screening for depression after stroke : developing protocols for the occupational therapist

Depression after stroke is common and can have a substantial effect on rehabilitation outcome. Despite this, the routine screening that has been recommended is only taking place around half the time. Occupational therapists have training that well positions them to provide screening. In a local stroke unit, the psychology and occupational therapy departments worked together, considering relevant research, clinical considerations (such as identifying suicidal ideas) and practical issues (such as ease of administration and patient compliance) to determine screening protocols that could be enacted by occupational therapists. Two protocols were developed, one for people under 65 years of age and one for people aged 65 years or older.