Author:

Keywords:

Stroke - Neuroscience nursing, Science & Technology, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Clinical Neurology, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Neurosciences & Neurology, Cardiovascular System & Cardiology, 1103 Clinical Sciences, 1109 Neurosciences, Neurology & Neurosurgery, 3202 Clinical sciences, 3209 Neurosciences, 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science

Abstract:

Introduction: The European Association of Neuroscience Nurses (EANN) participated in the update of the European Stroke Strategies (ESS) at the Helsingborg Declaration Conference in 2006. Aim: Aim of this study was to conduct a survey of the clinical nursing practice in relation to ESS. Method: This study was conducted as a descriptive cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire based on ESS and evidence-based nursing practice was distributed to EANN representatives, who sent the questionnaires to nurses in stroke care. Results: This is a summary of the main nursing perspectives in acute stroke care. Ninety-three nurses in a stroke care in 13 countries participated in the survey. A majority of the nurses (n=74) were working in stroke units, 10 in neurological clinic and 4 in neurointensive care, 42 were nurse specialists, 25 head nurses, 2 clinical lecturers and 22 bed-side nurses. A majority (91%) had interdisciplinary stroke teams. Update of education in stroke care for staff was available for 69%. Stroke patients were monitored the first 48h after stroke onset (95%), and 93% were mobilized when the patients were stable, usually within 24h. Assessment of swallowing was performed for 81% within 24 hrs (84 respondents), change of position for immobilized patients was monitored for 72%, residual volume urine was measured for 85%, and oral health was assessed daily for 87%. Conclusion: Most European countries participating in this survey have developed stroke care in accordance with the ESS guidelines. However clinical nursing practice for stroke patients need to be further developed in some countries.