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Stroke unit care, inpatient rehabilitation and early supported discharge

Lookup NU author(s): Emerita Professor Helen Rodgers, Professor Christopher PriceORCiD

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Abstract

© Royal College of Physicians 2017. All rights reserved. Stroke units reduce death and disability through the provision of specialist multidisciplinary care for diagnosis, emergency treatments, normalisation of homeostasis, prevention of complications, rehabilitation and secondary prevention. All stroke patients can benefit from provision of high-quality basic medical care and some need high impact specific treatments, such as thrombolysis, that are often time dependent. A standard patient pathway should include assessment of neurological impairment, vascular risk factors, swallowing, fluid balance and nutrition, cognitive function, communication, mood disorders, continence, activities of daily living and rehabilitation goals. Good communication and shared decision making with patients and their families are key to high-quality stroke care. Patients with mild or moderate disability, who are medically stable, can continue rehabilitation at home with early supported discharge teams rather than needing a prolonged stay in hospital. National clinical guidelines and prospective audits are integral to monitoring and developing stroke services in the UK.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Rodgers H, Price C

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Clinical Medicine, Journal of the Royal College of Physicians of London

Year: 2017

Volume: 17

Issue: 2

Pages: 173-177

Print publication date: 01/04/2017

Acceptance date: 02/04/2016

Date deposited: 12/06/2017

ISSN (print): 1470-2118

ISSN (electronic): 1473-4893

Publisher: Royal College of Physicians

URL: http://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.17-2-173

DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-2-173

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