title: Survey to investigate the role of the community stroke care coordinator.
abstract: The National Service Framework for older people recommends that patients recovering from a stroke should have access to a stroke care coordinator (SCC) to support their longer-term recovery. However, the knowledge base, skills and procedures for the role are poorly defined. We have therefore conducted a survey to examine the development and responsibilities of SCCs with a remit for longer-term support. We identified 39 SCCs, most of whom were nurses. Three role types were observed: enhanced community follow-up (n=22); hybrid (n=15); and hospital outpatient (n=2). However, there was overlap between the roles reflecting a wide variation in practice in respect of timing and frequency of patient contacts, and methods for assessing patients' needs. Workload and knowledge of the evidence-base were identified as the main challenges to delivering care. Meeting patients' needs was impeded by limited access to psychology and physical therapies. A more robust evidence-base to support longer-term stroke care, combined with routine clinical governance systems for monitoring care provision could enhance the development of the SCC role.
authors.affiliation: Bradford NHS Hospitals Foundation Trust. jenni.murray@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forster
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014852:Wales; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology