Essentials of stroke for healthcare assistants

Abstract

Within the context of medicine and healthcare, ‘stroke’ is a term applied to an array of diverse manifestations of neurovascular illness. While the role of the healthcare assistant (HCA) does not entail engaging with the specific pathological processes of the condition, it is useful for them to familiarise themselves with core concepts in the field of stroke rehabilitation, so they might best provide a high level of care, underpinned by a thorough basic knowledge of the stage of illness and its likely prognosis or outcome. Professions allied to medicine are often challenged to understand the pathology, classification and symptoms of stroke, which are pivotal to the accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of the condition. The role HCAs play in the ancillary care surrounding this process is invaluable. Their ability to work with patients who have suffered any form of stroke is significant, but arguably most beneficial in facilitating interaction with patients who might themselves be struggling to understand and come to terms with their newly diagnosed condition. This article is a brief guideline to stroke for HCAs who might wish to develop or refresh their knowledge of stroke. The overall aim of the article is to provide a quick reference system for HCAs to understand the nature of the condition with which their patient is presenting, in order to equip them to work knowledgeably within the context of stroke care.