National Stroke Strategy Research Articles

Consultation on stroke

Every year estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most people affected are over 65, but it can happen to anyone including children and babies. Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK and is the single most common cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke. The Stroke Association estimates that stroke costs the economy £7billion a year in health and social care costs, so the recent consultation document on a national stroke strategy is to be welcomed. The RCN is pleased that, at last, stroke is beginning to get the attention it deserves.

Reviewing progress in improving standards in acute stroke care: Toward a national strategy

Standard 5 of the National Service Framework for Older People, published in 2001, was framed to promote equal access to a high standard of health care for stroke patients. Stroke services are currently undergoing significant review as part of the development of a new national stroke strategy. Many changes in policy and guidance are expected, particularly in the areas of finance, treatments and access. This article investigates progress in achieving the goals set out in Standard 5 of the NSF and considers the impact of changes in finance, treatment and access on the future shape of stroke services and nurses' contribution to them.

Ｎａｔｉｏｎａｌ Ｓｔｒｏｋｅ Ｓｔｒａｔｅｇｙの観点から見た課題

Stroke causes significant burden both on the individuals and on the society, which necessitates national stroke strategies. Three issues which are considered to be important from the viewpoint of national stroke strategy are mentioned in this article : effects of community prevention program in Japan, stroke unit (SU) in the UK, and Brain Attack Campaign in the US.In Japan, community stroke prevention program has been proven to be effective in reducing stroke incifdene.SU was proven to be effective in reducing mortality, increasing home discharge, improving ADL and QOL, and shortening length of hospital stay. In the UK, SU has been widely introduced. A survey in 1998 showed that there are 184 SUs in the UK and 52% of stroke patients were treated in SU.In the US, Brain Attack Campaign was strated to realize thrombolytic therapy using t-PA for cerebral in-farction within 3 hours from onset. Public education on stroke warning sings and on the need of emergent response at onset is indispensable for the campaign.Systemic approaches such as a community stroke prevention program, the introduction of SU, and Brain Attack Campaign are considered to be important cores of future Japanese stroke strategies.