Health care in patients 1 year post-stroke in general practice: research on the utilisation of the Dutch Transmural Protocol transient ischaemic attack/cerebrovascular accident

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 42 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. de Weerd ◽  
A. W. F. Rutgers ◽  
K. H. Groenier ◽  
K. van der Meer

This study evaluates the kind of aftercare that ischaemic stroke patients receive and the extent that aftercare fulfils the criteria of the ‘Dutch Transmural Protocol transient ischaemic attack/cerebrovascular accident’. Fifty-seven patients were interviewed 1 year post-stroke about secondary prevention and aftercare. Forty general practitioners (GPs) completed a questionnaire about guidance and secondary prevention (concerning medication and lifestyle advice). Most patients would like to see their GP more regularly. More aftercare was required than was planned. The use of aspirin remained the same, fewer patients used statins and more used antihypertensives. Of the 40 GPs who participated, 12% did not apply prevention. Blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol were measured in 84%, 28% and 40% of patients. All of these measures were often elevated, but treatment was not given. Lifestyle advice was offered to one-quarter of patients. Considering all of the advice given in the Dutch Protocol, several aspects can be improved in relation to secondary prevention. Too little attention is paid to giving lifestyle advice, stricter medical checkups by GPs are necessary and there is a decrease in use of preventive medication, partly because GPs monitors use of medication inadequately. The use of the Dutch Protocol in aftercare can be improved by a more detailed description of advice.

2021 ◽  
pp. svn-2020-000471
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Junfeng Shi ◽  
Yuesong Pan ◽  
Zixiao Li ◽  
Hongyi Yan ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe risk of disability and mortality is high among recurrent stroke, which highlights the importance of secondary prevention measures. We aim to evaluate medication persistence for secondary prevention and the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in China.MethodsPatients with acute ischaemic stroke or TIA from the China National Stroke Registry II were divided into 3 groups based on the percentage of persistence in secondary prevention medication classes from discharge to 3 months after onset (level I: persistence=0%, level II: 0%<persistence<100%, level III: persistence=100%). The primary outcome was recurrent stroke. The secondary outcomes included composite events (stroke, myocardial infarction or death from cardiovascular cause), all-cause death and disability (modified Rankin Scale score=3–5) from 3 months to 1 year after onset. Recurrent stroke, composite events and all-cause death were performed using Cox regression model, and disability was identified through logistic regression model using the generalised estimating equation method.Results18 344 patients with acute ischaemic stroke or TIA were included, 315 (1.7%) of whom experienced recurrent strokes. Compared with level I, the adjusted HR of recurrent stroke for level II was 0.41 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.54) and level III 0.37 (0.28 to 0.48); composite events for level II 0.41 (0.32 to 0.53) and level III 0.38 (0.30 to 0.49); all-cause death for level II 0.28 (0.23 to 0.35) and level III 0.20 (0.16–0.24). Compared with level I, the adjusted OR of disability for level II was 0.89 (0.77 to 1.03) and level III 0.82 (0.72 to 0.93).ConclusionsPersistence in secondary prevention medications, especially in all classes of medications prescribed by the physician, was associated with lower hazard of recurrent stroke, composite events, all-cause death and lower odds of disability in patients with acute ischaemic stroke or TIA.


Author(s):  
Neil Heron ◽  
Sean R. O’Connor ◽  
Frank Kee ◽  
Jonathan Mant ◽  
Margaret E. Cupples ◽  
...  

Behavioural interventions that address cardiovascular risk factors such as physical inactivity and hypertension help reduce recurrence risk following a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or “minor” stroke, but an optimal approach for providing secondary prevention is unclear. After developing an initial draft of an innovative manual for patients, aiming to promote secondary prevention following TIA or minor stroke, we aimed to explore views about its usability and acceptability amongst relevant stakeholders. We held three focus group discussions with 18 participants (people who had experienced a TIA or minor stroke (4), carers (1), health professionals (9), and researchers (4). Reflexive thematic analysis identified the following three inter-related themes: (1) relevant information and content, (2) accessibility of format and helpful structure, and (3) strategies to optimise use and implementation in practice. Information about stroke, medication, diet, physical activity, and fatigue symptoms was valued. Easily accessed advice and practical tips were considered to provide support and reassurance and promote self-evaluation of lifestyle behaviours. Suggested refinements of the manual’s design highlighted the importance of simplifying information and providing reassurance for patients early after a TIA or minor stroke. Information about fatigue, physical activity, and supporting goal setting was viewed as a key component of this novel secondary prevention initiative.


Author(s):  
Mary J MacLeod ◽  
Ali Abdullah

Background: The risk of stroke after Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) is 8-11 % within a month. Rapid assessment and early use of preventative therapies can reduce this risk by 80-90%. Many patients do not seek timely medical attention, and may minimise their symptoms. The purpose of this study was to assess patients' perception of the significance of TIA/ minor stroke, and their beliefs and attitudes to secondary prevention interventions. Methods: 120 patients with a recent TIA/minor stroke were given a questionnaire after clinic/ward review. This included the validated Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (Brief-IPQ: scores 0-10), and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ: scores 5-25). Patient adherence to secondary prevention medications was assessed by self-report. Results: There was a 56% return rate. Within the brief-IPQ, patients had a mid score for perceived consequences of their event (4.88 (sd2.67)). Only 22% took urgent action at the time of the event. 60% were persuaded to take action by family or friends. Patients scored the midpoint for emotional distress (4.9 (sd 3.4)) and felt they could not exert personal control (4.0(3.2)). They did believed treatment would control their condition (7.7(2.1)). The majority of patients (86.3%) believed in the necessity of medication, with mean necessity score of 18.36(3.5). 14% reported concerns about becoming dependent upon medications and the potential adverse consequences of taking medication. 78% of patients said they complied with their treatment. Conclusions: Patients may not regard TIA or minor stroke as having important implications for their future health. Many only seek medical advice as a result of external pressure. Patients do not feel they have personal control over the condition, but believe medication is necessary and beneficial. These findings will inform strategies for education and behavioural change interventions in people at risk of or who have had a TIA/minor stroke


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (687) ◽  
pp. e706-e714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Heron ◽  
Frank Kee ◽  
Jonathan Mant ◽  
Margaret E Cupples ◽  
Michael Donnelly

BackgroundAlthough the importance of secondary prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is recognised, research is sparse regarding novel, effective ways in which to intervene in a primary care context.AimTo pilot a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel home-based prevention programme (The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual) for patients with TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.Design and settingPilot RCT, home-based, undertaken in Northern Ireland between May 2017 and March 2018.MethodPatients within 4 weeks of a first TIA or ‘minor’ stroke received study information from clinicians in four hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: standard care (control group) (n = 12); standard care with manual and GP follow-up (n = 14); or standard care with manual and stroke nurse follow-up (n = 14). Patients in all groups received telephone follow-up at 1, 4, and 9 weeks. Eligibility, recruitment, and retention were assessed; stroke/cardiovascular risk factors measured at baseline and 12 weeks; and participants’ views were elicited about the study via focus groups.ResultsOver a 32-week period, 28.2% of clinic attendees (125/443) were eligible; 35.2% of whom (44/125) consented to research contact; 90.9% of these patients (40/44) participated, of whom 97.5% (39/40) completed the study. After 12 weeks, stroke risk factors [cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and measures of physical activity] improved in both intervention groups. The research methods and the programme were acceptable to patients and health professionals, who commented that the programme ‘filled a gap’ in current post-TIA management.ConclusionFindings indicate that implementation of this novel cardiac rehabilitation programme, and of a trial to evaluate its effectiveness, is feasible, with potential for clinically important benefits and improved secondary prevention after TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meida Laely Ramdani

Background: Patients who had stroke recurrence after the first stroke have a high risk of disability as well as high rates of morbidity and mortality. Incidence of stroke recurrence can be prevented by controlling risk factors and secondary prevention among post stroke patient, and also tent of the duration of the occurrence of recurrent stroke after the first attack. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and stroke recurrence periods of post stroke patients.Methods: Cross sectional study design was used in this study. Total 73 recurrent stroke patients age 18-60 years old were selected using consecutive sampling technique. This study was conducted on patients during their follow up in the outpatient department of unit neurology, Margono Soekardjo Purwokerto Hospital during November-December 2015. The characteristics of the recurrent stroke patients include sex, age, education, occupation, and income. This study also describes type of stroke and duration of illness. The periods of recurrent stroke patients divided in to three time periods (≤ 6-month, 7-12 month, >12 month). Results: 73 recurrent stroke patients showed 56% were female, age group 39-60 years old was 97,5%, 60,3% have low education (below senior high school), 64,7% work as public and private employees. Income of respondents were low income 53,4%. Ischemic stroke was the majority (87,7%), no history family of stroke 64,4%, 1-5 years duration of illness and periods of stroke recurrence >12 month was 45,20%.Conclusion:  Ischemic stroke is the biggest case of recurrent stroke, so that we need to emphasize the importance of secondary prevention including medication and treatment. Background: Patients who had stroke recurrence after the first stroke have a high risk of disability as well as high rates of morbidity and mortality. Incidence of stroke recurrence can be prevented by controlling risk factors and secondary prevention among post stroke patient, and also tent of the duration of the occurrence of recurrent stroke after the first attack. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics and stroke recurrence periods of post stroke patients.Methods: Cross sectional study design was used in this study. Total 73 recurrent stroke patients age 18-60 years old were selected using consecutive sampling technique. This study was conducted on patients during their follow up in the outpatient department of unit neurology, Margono Soekardjo Purwokerto Hospital during November-December 2015. The characteristics of the recurrent stroke patients include sex, age, education, occupation, and income. This study also describes type of stroke and duration of illness. The periods of recurrent stroke patients divided in to three time periods (≤ 6-month, 7-12 month, >12 month). Results: 73 recurrent stroke patients showed 56% were female, age group 39-60 years old was 97,5%, 60,3% have low education (below senior high school), 64,7% work as public and private employees. Income of respondents were low income 53,4%. Ischemic stroke was the majority (87,7%), no history family of stroke 64,4%, 1-5 years duration of illness and periods of stroke recurrence >12 month was 45,20%.Conclusion:  Ischemic stroke is the biggest case of recurrent stroke, so that we need to emphasize the importance of secondary prevention including medication and treatment.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivek Bansal ◽  
Eng Sing Lee ◽  
Helen Smith

Abstract Background: Stroke is one of the top contributors to burden of disability-adjusted life-years worldwide. Family physicians have key role in optimal secondary prevention post-stroke helping patients make appropriate lifestyle changes and take medication in accordance with the recommended clinical practice guidelines.Methods: Our aim was to characterize the profile of patients who were being managed in primary care setting for secondary prevention of stroke. Our specific objectives were: (i) to examine the level of overall and individual risk factors control after an index-stroke event in patients visiting the primary care setting and (ii) to describe the factors associated with the achievement of overall risk factors control in post-stroke patients.Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.We conducted a study looking retrospectively at records from our electronic chronic disease database. Our study included post-stroke patients who visited public primary care setting in Singapore between 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2016. Based on AHA Stroke guidelines, we operationalized our outcome of secondary prevention post-stroke as overall control, which comprised of patients having blood pressure, lipids, and glucose reading (for those who had diabetes) all well-controlled. We conducted descriptive analysis and performed multivariable logistic analysis to determine factors associated with overall control.Results: There were 24,240 patients in our study. Overall control was better in post-stroke patients without diabetes (49.2%) as compared to those with diabetes (28.1%).Among post-stroke patients without diabetes, factors significantly associated with overall control were sex [OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.39], ethnicity [OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.58, 0.90], BMI [OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.84) and atrial fibrillation [OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.78].Among post-stroke patients with diabetes, factors significantly associated with overall control were sex [OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.46], ethnicity, BMI, atrial fibrillation[OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.51], chronic kidney disease and smoking status.Conclusion: We reported a sub-optimal level of overall control. Among post-stroke patients, those with diabetes had a higher proportion of sub-optimal control as compared to those without diabetes. Irrespective of diabetic status, being female, having high BMI, and of Malay ethnicity were associated with poor overall control compared to Chinese.


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