Stroke Recovery Depends Upon The Holistic Care

There are about 7 million adults in the U.S. living with stroke. By 90 days after a stroke, new stroke-related disability of at least moderate severity develops in 10% of younger adults to 30% of adults over age 65 years.

It is reported that within 1-3 weeks after a stroke and following the discharge soon, the first primary care appointment should occur. The current average interval to first medical visit for patients discharged home after stroke is 27 days.

The scientific statement summarizes the available information on the importance of primary care in stroke and provides a roadmap for holistic, goal-directed, and patient-centered care. This involves the need for post-stroke management that also includes engaging caregivers and family members to support the patient.

Early the Care, Better the Treatment

The early post-stroke treatment especially during the first three months after hospital discharge may help in reducing the chances of stroke recurrence, hospital readmission and inadvertent gaps in care.

The consequent visits must ensure screening for new or chronic risks for recurrent stroke such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and blockage in the carotid or other arteries.

Additional screening and referral for complications like anxiety or depression, cognitive impairment, bone fracture and fall risk, osteoporosis, pressure ulcers, and post-stroke seizures must also be considered.

“In this statement, we affirm in a new way the role of the primary care professional in caring for people with stroke. The core functions of primary care as a specialty include: 1) diagnosis and management of acute symptoms, 2) chronic disease management and 3) disease prevention. Primary care professionals can ensure consistent and comprehensive care for the full needs of patients, including coordinating any additional care or services patients may need from community services providers or from subspecialty health care providers,” says Walter N. Kernan, M.D., chair of the statement writing group and a professor of medicine at Yale University School of Medicine, in New Haven, Conn.

Source: Medindia