Stroke care on the NHS ‘unequal’

Source: Health Service Journal

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Date of publication: February 2011

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: A study of 3,800 patients from south London between 1995 and 2009 has found “significant inequalities” in stroke care. Quality of care varies with age, race and income.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

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

Some important notes: The original article on which these comments are based can be viewed here

Influence of age and health behaviors on stroke risk: lessons from longitudinal studies

Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2010 Oct; 58 (suppl 2): s325-328

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Date of publication: October 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study investigates the behavioral factors that have been shown to improve overall health and reduce the risk of stroke. This includes the effective management of hypertension, cessation of cigarette smoking for those who smoke, and maintaining a healthy diet and active physical lifestyle.

Length of publication: 4 page article

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.

Age Disparities in Stroke Quality of Care and Delivery of Health Services

Source: Stroke 2009 Aug; 40: 3328-3335

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Date of publication: August 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: The aim of this study was to determine if access to stroke care, delivery of health services, and clinical outcomes after stroke are affected by age. A prospective cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke was undertaken in Ontario, Canada. The study concluded that stroke care delivery was similar across all age groups with the exception of slightly lower rates of investigations in the very elderly.

Length of publication: 8 page article

Do All Age Groups Benefit From Organized Inpatient Stroke Care?

Source: Stroke 2009 Jul; 40: 3321-3327

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Date of publication: July 2009

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study sought to determine if elderly individuals benefit from organized inpatient stroke care to the same extent as younger patients. A case–cohort study of patients with acute ischemic stroke was conducted between July 2003 and March 2005. The study concluded that stroke units and organized inpatient care reduce death or institutionalization with the same magnitude of effect across all age groups

Length of publication: 7 page article