Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2026
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
[Stroke management in a general internal medicine department: results of a survey regarding practice]
B Guillon1, B Planchon, F Woimant
1Service de neurologie, hôpital Laënnec, CHU, 44093 Nantes, France. benoit.guillon@chu-nantes.fr
Insights
Internal medicine departments often manage stroke patients. This study highlights practice variations and aims to improve stroke care guidelines in non-specialized units for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Internal Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Stroke management is crucial for patient prognosis.
- Specialized stroke centers are insufficient, leading to increased hospitalizations in general internal medicine departments.
- Optimizing stroke care in non-specialized settings is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current stroke management practices in internal medicine departments in western France.
- To define evidence-based guidelines for stroke care outside specialized units.
- To improve the quality of care for stroke patients in general medical settings.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted using data sheets mailed to internal medicine practitioners.
- Data collected included patient demographics, stroke characteristics, risk factors, investigations, and management.
- Guidelines were developed based on the survey results.
Main Results:
- Stroke patients in internal medicine departments share similar profiles to those in neurology departments.
- CT scans and EKGs were commonly used; other investigations like MRI were less frequent.
- Adherence to guidelines for rehabilitation and secondary stroke prevention was inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Internal medicine departments play a significant role in stroke patient care.
- The study identified areas for improvement in stroke management within these departments.
- Implementing defined guidelines can enhance stroke care in non-specialized units.
Purpose:
The incidence of strokes in the general population and the insufficient numbers of centers specialized in their management has led to the increased hospitalization of patients in general, internal medicine departments. The prognosis for patients is related to the relevance of the initial diagnostic and therapeutic measures. To optimize management of stroke patients outside of specialized units, a survey concerning practice was conducted in internal medicine departments in western France, and a meeting was held to define guidelines.
Methods:
Data sheets were mailed to practitioners in internal medicine departments prior to the survey. The following data were recorded for each patient hospitalized during the two-week study: age, sex, clinical characteristics of stroke, risk factors, investigations performed, and initial and subsequent medical management. On the basis of the results, management guidelines were considered and defined.
Results:
Patients hospitalized for a stroke in internal medicine departments have a similar profile to those hospitalized in neurology departments. CT-scan and EKG recordings were performed in most patients whereas other investigations (cervical ultrasound, echocardiography, MRI) were used less frequently. The use of rehabilitation and therapeutic strategies for secondary stroke prevention were not always performed according to current guidelines.
Conclusion:
Internal medicine departments are frequently involved in the care of stroke patients. The present study of clinical practice may help to improve stroke management in these non-specialized departments.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
01:30Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care