A thrombolysis pathway for patients following acute ischaemic stroke

Source: Nursing Standard 2012 Apr; 26 (31): 35-42

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Date of publication: April 2012

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article describes the thrombolysis pathway that is in use at one hyperacute stroke unit in London and outlines the core competencies required of the acute stroke nurse.

Length of publication: 9 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.

Shorter length of stay in the stroke unit: comparison between the 1990s and 2000s

Source: Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation 2012 Mar; 19 (2): 172-181

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Date of publication: March 2012

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study examines the differences in length of stay, use of and satisfaction with health-related services, and capacity in activities of daily living during the first year post stroke in 2 groups of patients who received care in the same stroke unit. The first group was treated between 1993 and 1996 and the second between 2006 and 2007. The results show that the length of stay was shorter in the 2006–2007 group compared to the 1993–1996 group.

Length of publication: 10 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.

Developing a 24/7 service on the acute stroke unit

Source: NHS Improvement

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Date of publication: September 2011

Publication type: Case Study

In a nutshell: This case study provides information on the development of a 24/7 service on an acute stroke unit at University Hospital of North Staffordshire NHS Trust. The service has undergone a comprehensive transformation in all areas, including thrombolysis provision and acute care, rehabilitation, integration with early supported discharge and TIA care.

Length of publication: 2 pages

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

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

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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.

Are stroke units cost effective? Evidence from a New Zealand stroke incidence and population-based study

Source: International Journal of Stroke 2011 Oct 20. [Epub ahead of print]

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Date of publication: October 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study aims to evaluate the cost effectiveness of stroke units by comparing the costs and outcomes for patients admitted to a stroke unit with those admitted to a general ward.

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.

Stroke metric could show cost of whole care pathway

Source: Health Service Journal 18th August 2011

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This news item provides details of a new research project that aims to prove that better stroke care can have a positive impact on the economy. A team from UCL Partners, the academic health science centre in north London, is examining patients passing through the capital’s hyper-acute stroke units with the aim of being able to cost different pathways and outcomes.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

Stroke unit care combined with early supported discharge improves 5-year outcome: A randomized controlled trial

Source: Stroke 2011 Apr 7. [Epub ahead of print]

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Date of publication: April 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: The aim of this trial was to evaluate if stroke unit care combined with early supported discharge had beneficial effects on functional outcome and the use of resources for up to 5 years.

Length of publication: 5 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.

Processes of care and medical complications in patients with stroke

Source: Stroke 2011 Jan; 42 (1): 167-172

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Date of publication: January 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study examines the link between processes of care and the risk of medical complications in patients with stroke. The processes of care examined include early admission to a stroke unit, early initiation of antiplatelet or oral anticoagulant therapy, early CT/MRI scan, and early assessment by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.

Length of publication: 6 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.

SHA failing on stroke care

Source: Health Service Journal

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Date of publication: November 2010

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: South Central is the only strategic health authority in England to have failed to improve stroke care. The 2007 national stroke strategy stated that each stroke patient should spend at least 90 per cent of their time in hospital in a dedicated stroke unit. However, data from April to July this year shows that in South Central just 56 per cent of stroke patients spent 90 per cent of their time on a stroke unit, compared with an England average of 68 per cent.

Length of publication: 1 page news item

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.

Estimating the impact of stroke unit care in a whole population: an epidemiological study using routine data

Source: Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2010 Dec; 81 (12): 1301-1305

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Date of publication: November 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study investigates the impact that organised inpatient stroke unit care has in routine practice. A comprehensive national dataset from Scotland is used to study the effectiveness of this stroke intervention. The results indicate a positive impact of a policy of stroke unit care on case fatality and discharge home.

Length of publication: 5 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.

Effectiveness of Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Centers: PERFECT Stroke: A Nationwide Observational Study From Finland

Source: Stroke 2010; 41: 1102-1107

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Date of publication: April 2010

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This study explores whether stroke centers fulfilling standardized Brain Attack Coalition criteria produce better patient outcomes than hospitals without stroke centers.

Length of publication: 6 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.

Stroke rehabilitation unit wins Independent Healthcare Award

Source: NHS Tameside and Glossop

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Date of publication: September 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: The Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at NHS Tameside and Glossop has been recognised as both a marvellous facility and a great example of public/private partnership at the Independent Healthcare Awards.

Length of publication: 1 page news item