Background Conventional and complementary treatments are often used in rehabilitation for persons with stroke. The conventional treatment makes use of medications, physiotherapy, occupational, speech, and diet therapies, while the complementary treatment makes use of homeopathy, naturopathy, massage, and acupuncture. The structure, process, and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation using conventional or complementary treatments have not been empirically investigated in Ghana. Aims This study aims to investigate the structure, process, and outcomes of stroke rehabilitation at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) in Accra and Kwayisi Christian Herbal Clinic (KCHC) in Nankese-Ayisaa, Ghana, and to explore the experiences of persons with stroke. Methods This study involves a mixed methods approach.
This study will utilize three study designs, namely, cross-sectional, hospital-based cohort, and qualitative exploratory study designs. The objectives of the study will be achieved using three phases, namely, phase one will recruit health professionals and gather information on the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation at a conventional and complementary hospital using adapted questionnaires; phase two will determine the outcomes of stroke patients attending a conventional and complementary hospital facility at baseline, 2-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up using outcome measures based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model; and phase three will explore the experiences of stroke patients who use complementary or conventional treatment using an interview guide.