Stroke Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 3 Issue 12

Current practice of carotid endarterectomy in the UK

Source: British Journal of Surgery 2012 Feb; 99 (2): 209-216

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study assesses national surgical practice of Carotid endarterectomy through audit of CEA procedures and outcomes. The results show that CEA is performed less commonly in the UK than in other European countries and probably remains underutilized in the prevention of stroke. Increasing the number of CEAs done in the UK, together with reducing surgical waiting times, could prevent more strokes.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of this article. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Increasing access to stroke therapy

Source: Stroke Improvement

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Web pages

In a nutshell: This new webpage provides easy access to useful resources on improving access to therapy and rehabilitation in stroke. Tools include:

• Measuring therapy services
• Standards, guidelines and evidence
• National stroke data and audit
• Frequently asked questions
• Examples of practical work to increase access to therapy

A New Support System Using a Mobile Device (Smartphone) for Diagnostic Image Display and Treatment of Stroke

Source: Stroke 2012; 43: 236-239

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This brief report describes a new system (i-Stroke) that has been developed to exchange high-quality clinical information and imaging for “real-time” support of clinical diagnosis and treatment of neurological emergencies.

Length of publication: 4 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of this article. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Why early discharge in stroke care can be vital for recovery

Source: Health Service Journal

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Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This article describes how health professionals in north London have implemented the Camden stroke reach early discharge service (REDS). A National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence assessment of its approach showed that savings of £83,000 per 100,000 population can be achieved through reduction of an average of 10 stroke bed days and by reducing ongoing dependence on social care packages by an average of 19 hours per week.

Length of publication: 1 page article

How to implement best practice in stroke and TIA imaging

Source: Synergy News

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Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This article considers the three Accelerated Stroke Improvement (ASI) measures that relate directly to radiology and looks at examples of best practice introduced by Trusts across England to meet these targets.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Development of acute stroke units – a cost effective reconfiguration which benefits patients

Source: QJM 2012; 105 (1): 99-102

Follow this link for abstract

Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article discusses the benefits and cost-effectiveness of stroke units and also describes the authors’ experiences of the introduction of a stroke unit in Galway, Ireland.

Length of publication: 4 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of this article. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

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Stroke Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 3 Issue 11

Stroke victims far more likely to die if sent to hospitals outside London

Source: The Telegraph 20th November 2011

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Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: An investigation has found that stroke victims who are admitted to hospital are far more likely to die if they are treated outside central London. Official data shows survival rates in the capital’s flagship hospitals are more than 50 per cent higher than in other parts of the country, with stroke sufferers treated in small towns, rural areas and industrial cities faring worst.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

Leicester research highlights stroke symptoms

Source: BBC 2nd December 2011

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Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: Researchers in Leicester have highlighted two more symptoms that may indicate when someone is having a stroke. A project by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust found that leg weakness and loss of vision were strong indicators to look out for.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

Practical principles for improving stroke care

Source: Stroke Improvement

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Date of publication: November 2011

In a nutshell: The stroke team has produced a set of eight documents with ‘practical principles’ for improving stroke care. The documents available are:

• Practical principles for improving psychological care after stroke
• Practical principles for developing an early supported discharge service
• Practical principles for improving access to CT scanning
• Practical principles for Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)
• Practical principles – how to establish joint care planning
• Practical principles to manage reviews for stroke survivors
• Practical principles – being the best in acute stroke
• Practical principles for developing a community stroke service

Length of publication: 8 documents