Harris, R.

Interprofessional teamwork is seen in healthcare policy and practice as a key strategy for providing safe, efficient and holistic healthcare and is an accepted part of evidence-based stroke care. The impact of interprofessional teamwork on patient and carer experience(s) of care is unknown, although some research suggests a relationship might exist. This study aimed to explore patient and carer perceptions of good and poor teamwork and its impact on experiences of care.

Proposals for the New Deal for Carers, launched in 2007, include improved access to information via a helpline and carer training. Using informal (unpaid, usually family) stroke carers as an example, we examine research evidence for whether these carers might benefit from the proposals. We argue that too little attention is being paid to the available research and despite some generic carer problems, carer diversity means this poorly targeted input is likely to have little impact.