In:
International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Mark Allen Group, Vol. 20, No. 1 ( 2013-01-02), p. 41-53
Abstract:
Stroke unit care is advocated for all acute stroke patients. Varying models of stroke unit care exist and there is a need to identify how these models differ and how these differences may affect patient outcomes. This review explores the difference between the comprehensive stroke unit model, which includes rehabilitation, and the acute stroke unit model, which does not. Content: A review of descriptive information regarding comprehensive and acute stroke units was performed to determine the differences in the underlying components of care. Conclusion: A greater emphasis on acute medical care appears to exist in the acute stroke unit, with higher levels of nurse staffing, earlier assessment and investigation, more intensive physiological monitoring and an increased use of thrombolysis and anti-platelet therapy. In contrast, the availability of a period of rehabilitation in the comprehensive stroke unit appears to create a greater emphasis on rehabilitation, even in the acute phase, with greater involvement of gerontologists, rehabilitation physicians and allied health professionals, increased multidisciplinary staff education and training, greater patient and carer participation in rehabilitation, and early mobilisation protocols.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1741-1645
,
1759-779X
DOI:
10.12968/ijtr.2013.20.1.41
Language:
English
Publisher:
Mark Allen Group
Publication Date:
2013
Permalink
