Mini-stroke patients get better care in hospitals with stroke services

Patients who suffer from transient ischaemic attack (so-called “mini-strokes”) are more likely to receive rapid assessment and care if they attend a hospital which has organised 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 ischaemic 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.”