Stroke Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 2 Issue 1

Tuberculosis and the Risk of Ischemic Stroke

Source: Stroke 2010; 41: 244-249

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Date of publication: December 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article provides details of a nationwide, population-based retrospective cohort study which investigated the risk of ischemic stroke in patients who have suffered from tuberculosis. The study concludes that patients with a tuberculosis diagnosis are at an increased risk for ischemic, but not hemorrhagic stroke in the next 3 years.

Length of publication: 6 page article

The National Stroke Strategy – is it achievable?

Source: Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2009 Nov; 91 (8): 641-644

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: Timing of intervention in symptomatic carotid disease is critical. The Department of Health’s National Stroke Strategy recommends urgent intervention within 48 hours for appropriate patients. This study discusses public responses to the symptoms of TIA, the response of primary care to symptomatic patients and considers if the 48-hour treatment recommendation is actually achievable.

Length of publication: 4 page article

A randomized trial testing the superiority of a postdischarge care management model for stroke survivors

Source: J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2009 Nov-Dec; 18 (6): 443-452

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Date of publication: November/December 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This randomized trial considers if comprehensive postdischarge care management for stroke patients is more effective than organized acute stroke department care with enhanced discharge planning.

Length of publication: 10 page article

Progress in improving stroke care

Source: National Audit Office

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Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: This report by the Audit Office states that the Department of Health’s strategy for stroke care has increased awareness of the condition and started to improve care and outcomes. However, improvements have not been universal, health and social care services are not working together as they should, a third of patients do not receive a follow up appointment within six weeks, and half of all stroke survivors say that they are offered no advice on stroke prevention when leaving hospital.

Length of publication: 46 page report

Acknowledgement: HSJ

Four-Fold Increase in Direct Costs of Stroke Survivors With Spasticity Compared With Stroke Survivors Without Spasticity

Source: Stroke 2010; 41: 319-324

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Date of publication: December 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study discusses the costs associated with spasticity after stroke. This is done by estimating the direct costs of stroke with spasticity and comparing this to the costs of stroke without spasticity. The study concludes that direct costs for 12-month stroke survivors are four times higher in patients with spasticity after stroke.

Length of publication: 6 page article

Stroke patients given new therapy in Essex

Source: BBC 21st January 2010

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: A new service for people with aphasia and their carers has been introduced by NHS North East Essex. The service involves one-to-one work within regular group sessions to help improve all forms of communication.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

An increased risk of stroke among panic disorder patients: a 3-year follow-up study

Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 2010 Jan; 55 (1): 43-49

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study considers if patients with panic disorder are at an increased risk of stroke. Using a population-based cohort design, the study finds that panic disorder is an independent risk factor for stroke and in patients with the condition, treatment can be considered as a part of stroke prevention.

Length of publication: 7 page article

North West Stroke Register

Source: Greater Manchester & Cheshire Cardiac and Stroke Network

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Date of publication: December 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: A working party of professionals from across the region concluded that although there were increasing demands to collect stroke data, there was no consistent process to support this. Work is now underway to create the North West stroke register, which will allow real time, streamlined collection of stroke data across the region.

Length of publication: 1 page

Advances in Health Policy and Outcomes 2009

Source: Stroke 2010; 41; e77-e80

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article provides details of important studies published in 2009 about the most clinically and cost-effective ways of delivering care across the whole stroke pathway. 

Length of publication: 4 pages

Researchers Hope Measuring Performance Will Improve Stroke Care and Prevention

Source: JAMA 2010 Jan; 303 (1): 17-18

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Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This news item from JAMA provides details of a new study which suggests that a registry designed to collect and share hospital performance data can improve stroke care.

Length of publication: 2 pages

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