A program to improve secondary stroke prevention: the Colorado Neurological Institute stroke preventing recurrence of thromboembolic events through coordinated treatment program

J Neurosci Nurs. 2011 Aug;43(4):199-204. doi: 10.1097/JNN.0b013e3182212a83.

Abstract

The key to secondary stroke prevention often lies in improved control of traditional stroke risk factors. Studies have shown that there is an evidence-practice gap, for both physicians and patients, when it comes to adhering to national stroke prevention guidelines. We developed a program to reinforce stroke prevention messages for 1 year after a patient's ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Our results show encouraging improvement in our patients' adherence to treatment guidelines for 1 year after the event, as well as a reduction in recurrent strokes as compared with the number expected.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aftercare / organization & administration
  • Aged
  • Brain Infarction / nursing*
  • Brain Infarction / prevention & control
  • Colorado
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Female
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication*
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / nursing
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / prevention & control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Quality Improvement / organization & administration*
  • Risk Factors
  • Secondary Prevention