CRC STROKE CNTR HDBK PDF

Preface

The incidence and prevalence of stroke is increasing. Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of adult disability. Treatment is available for acute intervention and there is accumulating evidence regarding prevention of complications, secondary prevention, and new approaches to rehabilitation. The time is right to design processes and infrastructure that will assure every stroke victim the best possible outcome.

The purpose of this book is to provide insight and information to physicians, nurses, therapists, and administrators who are planning the programs necessary to do this work, regardless of the size of the hospital or available workforce. The evidence directing therapy for stroke is changing rapidly. The recommendations for the management of stroke that are included are based on current evidence and future trends, but they will change as new data become available. The hope, however, is that the infrastructure and processes described in this book are foundations that will stand the test of time and assure standardization of care in stroke centers while providing the flexibility to incorporate new therapies as evidence evolves.

Providing good outcomes to stroke victims is timedependent, labor intensive, and complicated. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of every health care organization to have a plan in place to meet the challenge when the patient arrives at the door.