Transitions of care for stroke and TIA.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify elements of a stroke population that may affect transitions of care (TOC).


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the demographic characteristics of patients from an urban primary stroke center with an admitting diagnosis of transient ischemic attack, acute ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or intracerebral hemorrhage was performed over an 8-month period (N = 276). A subset of this patient sample participated in a telephone survey 1 month after discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
Hospital length of stay, age, insurance status, discharge disposition, comorbidities, and readmission rates were identified as important elements affecting TOC for stroke and TIA. Information from patient surveys indicated that emotional health, follow-up with care providers, stroke education, and point of contact are important elements during the transition periods after stroke and TIA.


CONCLUSIONS
Both providers and patients should inform the development of a comprehensive TOC program that spans in-hospital to multiple care settings, including the home, which is essential. The advanced practice nurse is ideally suited to successfully lead these programs.
College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Helena N
HN
Haynes
Biobehavioral Health Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Matthew J
MJ
Gallek
Community & Systems Health Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Kate G
KG
Sheppard
Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Kendra W
KW
Drake
Biobehavioral Health Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
Leslie S
LS
Ritter
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001130:Arizona / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D010351:Patient Discharge; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing; D055815:Young Adult
TIA; Transitions of care; advanced practice registered nurse; hemorrhagic stroke; ischemic stroke