Stroke Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 1 Issue 11

Physical activity and risk of ischemic stroke in the Northern Manhattan Study

Source: Neurology 2009; 73: 1774-1779

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This prospective cohort study examines if physical activity is protective against first stroke in older persons. The study found that moderate-to-heavy intensity physical activity was protective against risk of ischemic stroke independent of other stroke risk factors in men.

 Length of publication: 6 page article

Stroke campaign boosts awareness

Source: BBC 9th November 2009

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: The Department of Health’s stroke awareness campaign has significantly boosted the awareness of stroke symptoms amongst the general population. The number of 999 calls about possible stroke have increased by 55% since the campaign launched in February 2009.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

Stroke vital sign: frequently asked questions

Source: Department of Health

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Guidance

In a nutshell: This document aims to answer common frequently asked questions with regard to the Vital Signs Monitoring Return guidance. A number of different clinical and pathway scenarios, and individual points of clarity are addressed to aid in the interpretation of the original document.

Length of publication: 6 pages

A Randomized Trial Testing the Superiority of a Postdischarge Care Management Model for Stroke Survivors

Source: Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases 2009 Nov; 18 (6): 443-452

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study aims to evaluate whether comprehensive postdischarge care management for stroke survivors is superior to organized acute stroke department care with enhanced discharge planning in improving health and well-being.

Length of publication: 10 page article

Replacing aspirin and warfarin for secondary stroke prevention: is it worth the costs?

Source: Current Opinion in Neurology 2009 Nov 25. [Epub ahead of print]

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study aims to determine if it is cost-effective to replace aspirin and warfarin with more effective, yet more costly, treatments for secondary stroke prevention.

Stroke care gets better since health check

Source: Health Service Journal 19th November 2009

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Brief Item

In a nutshell: Latest figures from the Department of Health indicate that hospital trusts have improved stroke care since the Care Quality Commission undertook the 2008-09 annual health check. This brief item discusses the latest data with information on regional stroke performance.

Length of publication: 1 page

Trusts fail to keep up pace on stroke targets

Source: Health Service Journal 5th November 2009

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This news item discusses how trusts are failing to achieve stroke targets, with fewer than 40% meeting the requirements set out by the Care Quality Commission. New figures reveal that only 37 percent of acute and specialist trusts are achieving the required standards of stroke care. This percentage falls to 31% in the North West of England.  

Length of publication: 1 page

Salt intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies

Source: BMJ 2009; 339: b4567

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This systematic review with meta-analysis assesses the relationship between the level of salt intake and stroke or cardiovascular disease outcome. The study concludes that a difference of 5g a day in habitual salt intake is associated with a 23% difference in the rate of stroke and a 17% difference in the rate of total cardiovascular disease.

Length of publication: 9 page article

Life after stroke services model

Source: The Stroke Association

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Care Pathway

In a nutshell: The Stroke Association has produced a new model of care for stroke sufferers. The model is designed to make it as easy and affordable as possible for health and social care commissioners to provide a comprehensive, high quality and client-centred stroke service.

Length of publication: 1 page