Best Practices for Stroke Prevention and Rehabilitation in Eastern North Carolina

Abstract

Stroke, also known as cerebrovascular accident, occurs due to a disruption in the blood supply to the brain that results in a lack of oxygen to the brain tissues (World Health Organization, 2015). Strokes can be deadly; currently they are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2015). In a review of the literature regarding stroke rehabilitation programs, common themes included: barriers and enablers for stroke rehabilitation, program delivery models, psychological and cognitive considerations, education, and stroke prevention. This program evaluation focused on the current program delivery model and how it compared to best practices, as well as on identifying barriers and enablers to achieving desired outcomes. Findings indicated that some aspects of the program met best practice standards, while other aspects had areas for improvement. Implications for future practice based on the findings are that staff education on importance of compliance continue to be developed, enhancement of follow-up post-acute care are needed, and educational and screening services to the community should continue and expand, if feasible.