A new study has found that self-rehabilitation after a stroke could make a significant difference to recovery outcomes for patients. Dr Harry McNaughton has been leading the research for the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, which involves a talking therapy programme called Take Charge. It encourages people recovering from a stroke to focus on what, and who, is most important to them in order to best plan their own rehabilitation. If the programme was implemented across New Zealand, it's estimated that an additional 600 people would be independent 12 months after their stroke for basic activities like walking, showering, and dressing. As a low cost solution it's also expected to save the health system upwards of $9 million each year. The findings of the study have recently been published in the international journal, Clinical Rehabilitation. Kathryn speaks to the MRINZ Stroke Rehabilitation Research director, Dr Harry McNaughton.
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