The Mount Vernon stroke service: a feasibility study to determine whether it is possible to apply the principles of stroke unit management to patients and their families on general medical wards.
A feasibility study has shown that it is possible to apply the principles of stroke unit management to patients and their families on general wards. Ninety-one consecutive stroke patients were managed by a multidisciplinary stroke therapy team which was co-ordinated by a medical registrar, met weekly, and developed a family support service. This was achieved within the pre-existing hospital timetable and staffing level, without providing a specialist 'stroke ward'. (Only 3-4 medical hours a week were needed.) The advantages of the service were: speedy referral to therapists, development of a team approach, provision of better information and psychological support for patients and families, provision of more speech therapy (49%) and occupational therapy (80%) than on other medical wards in other studies. Further research is required to evaluate the effect of the service on specific outcomes of stroke.
D000359:Aftercare; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D005190:Family; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities; D058016:Health Facility Administration; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D006767:Hospitals, District / Q000458:organization & administration; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration; D006113:United Kingdom