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Post Hospital Discharge Care for Complex Chronic Conditions: the Unique Challenges Facing Stroke Patients in their Homes

  • Cardiovascular Risk Health Policy (W. Rosamond, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Stroke is a complex medical condition which can be overwhelming for patients, caregivers, and providers to manage in the outpatient setting. In this article, we review issues that providers may encounter in the management of chronic stroke such as stroke preventative medications, risk factor modification, medication adherence, dysphagia management, fall prevention, cognitive impairment, and rehabilitation.

Recent Findings

There is emerging evidence that stroke management should be comprehensive and therefore include post-stroke depression, diet, and physical activity for secondary prevention. Telemedicine is being used more and more frequently to help rehab patients in their own homes. Additionally, transitional care programs are being utilized to help standardize and address post-stroke chronic care in an effort to reduce mortality and prevent hospital readmissions.

Summary

Management of chronic stroke can be complicated but is feasible when taking a systematic approach to manage medications, risk factors, and therapies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC, 27127, USA

    Laura Bishop & Cheryl Bushnell

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  1. Laura Bishop
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Correspondence to Laura Bishop.

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Drs. Bishop and Bushnell declare no conflicts of interests.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Cardiovascular Risk Health Policy

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Bishop, L., Bushnell, C. Post Hospital Discharge Care for Complex Chronic Conditions: the Unique Challenges Facing Stroke Patients in their Homes. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 11, 36 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-017-0560-7

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