Mini-Stroke Patients Get Better Care In Hospitals With Stroke Services

Patients who suffer from transient ischemic attack (so-called "mini-strokes") are more likely to receive rapid assessment and care if they attend a hospital, which has organized stroke care services, according to the results of a survey published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

Mr Christopher Price, of the National Stroke Foundation, and his co-authors surveyed 74 hospitals on their current services for transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients.

TIA is caused by a temporary cut in blood supply to part of the brain and places patients at greater risk of a stroke or heart attack.

"Recent evidence indicates that the greatest risk of stroke is within the first few days after a TIA event. It also suggests that rapid expert assessment and initiation of preventive treatment may significantly reduce subsequent stroke rates," Mr Price said.

"Our survey found that only 5% of sites involved stroke specialists in the initial assessments of patients with suspected TIA."

Only 60% of hospitals commenced treatment or modified existing treatment during the initial consultation.

"The presence of a stroke unit in a hospital was associated with improved processes of care for patients with TIA. This highlights the need to improve patient access to stroke unit care and the associated clinical expertise."

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The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.

Source-AMA
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