The stroke team concept as implemented in the area VIII regional medical program

Abstract

A training program for hospital “stroke teams,” consisting of physician, nurse-coordinator and physical therapist, is a unique feature of the Area VIII Regional Medical Program. Training in team concept of stroke management based on the experience of Memorial Hospital of Long Beach will be offered Area-wide. Thirty acute hospitals and 73 extended-care facilities located within Area VIII will participate. It is stipulated that each team completing such training at Long Beach return to its own hospital to put the new approach and methods into effect, and also to train backup teams where personnel is available. Professional faculty will make follow-up visits to gauge the effectiveness of the training program both in application of the technique by the team and in influencing total approach to the care of stroke patients. Extended-care facilities also are urged to participate, in line with their own staffing patterns. The Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center of Orange County will cooperate by providing other disciplines for the stroke team when and where needed. While quantitative evaluation of results may be unfeasible, it is anticipated that the qualitative effects of this new program will be reflected in better care for the stroke patient, enhanced opportunities for return to self-sufficient living, and (hopefully) eventual improvement in the morbidity, mortality and residual-disability statistics for stroke. © 1970 American Heart Association, Inc.