Stroke and Aphasia Association presents the results of a project to identify unmet needs of stroke survivors and those diagnosed with aphasia
Sofia, November 15, 2024 – The Association for Stroke and Aphasia (AIA) has successfully completed the activities under the project "Identification of unmet needs of stroke survivors and/or diagnosed with aphasia on the territory of Sofia Municipality". The project is implemented with the financial support of Sofia Municipality - Europe Program 2024, in partnership with Sofia Municipality Bankya District, 78. "Hristo Smirnenski" Secondary School and Lozana EAD.
The results of the project were presented at a special event on November 13, 2024 in the presence of journalists and guests. Municipal Councilor Ekaterina Yordanova, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on International Cooperation and Tourism, European Programs and Projects, stressed the need for urgent measures to improve support for people who have experienced stroke and been diagnosed with aphasia, as well as the need for a systematic change in the care of these patients.
Among the guests were representatives of Confindustria Bulgaria, who invariably support the Association for Stroke and Aphasia in its cause to reduce the number of strokes in the country.
"The project was a serious challenge for us as a small patient organization. We are glad that we were able to overcome the challenges and achieve our goals," said Dr. Georgiev, Deputy Chairman of the AIA. "First of all, we conducted an empirical study in an area that has been lacking for at least the last 10 years. Secondly, we have created an exemplary model for creating municipal policy based on transparently defined real needs. Thirdly, we have created a model that can be multiplied in the country."
The results of the project provide clarity on the existing problems and challenges for stroke survivors and those diagnosed with aphasia. "Many stroke survivors live with lasting consequences and experience serious difficulties in accessing the necessary medical and rehabilitation services," said Eng. Dorina Dobreva, Chairperson of the AIA. "The situation of patients with aphasia is especially critical, who often remain outside the scope of clinical pathways funded by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)."
The project also developed the first Bulgarian handbook on stroke and aphasia, designed for relatives and patients who have suffered from a stroke or have been diagnosed with aphasia. Within the framework of the project, a preliminary estimate has been made for the city of Sofia. Sofia, taking into account the zones of the greatest geographical saturation of aphasia victims, which gives arguments for the opening of aphasia offices in at least 6 DCCs on the territory of the capital.
"We hope that this project will be a good testimonial for us, as an organization, that we can successfully cope with serious research projects with high applied value," added Eng. Dobreva. "This project is a good basis for conducting further studies that can deepen our knowledge of the unmet needs of stroke and aphasia victims."
