The Stroke Center Handbook: Organizing Care for Better Outcomes PDF

Preface

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of adult disability. Since the first edition of this book in 2007, new treatments have become available for acute intervention, and there is new evidence regarding the best approaches to the prevention of complications, secondary prevention, and neurorehabilitation. It is important to design processes and infrastructure that will ensure every stroke victim has the best possible outcome.

The purpose of this book is to provide insight and information to physicians, nurses, therapists, and administrators who are planning and evolving the programs necessary to do this work, regardless of the size of the hospital or available workforce. 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 ensure standardization of care in stroke centers while providing the flexibility to incorporate new therapies as evidence evolves. In addition to an update of all the content in the previous edition, there are new chapters on transient ischemic attacks and neurocritical care.

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