Exploring nurses perspectives of stroke care.
In recent years stroke has been recognised as a national clinical, research and policy priority. Stroke nurses and stroke nursing are important contributors, but previous studies have highlighted lack of clarity and contradictions in the nursing role. A stroke nursing conference in 2002 offered the opportunity to explore nurses' vision for the future through a series of focus group meetings. Many examples of good practice were identified, for example, nursing contributions to risk factor management and secondary prevention, service co-ordination and development, follow-up and support of stroke patients and their families. However, areas for further development include realigning services to a patient focus and ensuring equitable access, integrating services, supporting development of the nursing research evidence base and providing career and educational frameworks for nurses in stroke care. Nurses set out a vision for stroke nursing in which current strengths and developments are consolidated and disseminated in a dynamic, multiprofessional, integrated patient-focused service.
Perry
Lin
L
Health Care Research Unit, City University, London. l.perry@city.ac.uk
Brooks
Wendy
W
Hamilton
Sharon
S
D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D009313:National Health Programs; D015399:Nursing Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control