Stroke prevention in southeastern Ontario: the nursing role and implementation of evidence-based practice

Stroke has a significant impact on personal, social and financial factors for individuals, families and the health care system. Stroke prevention clinics (SPCs) were developed in order to address the needs, identified through research, for improved recognition and reaction to TIA/stroke symptoms, as well as for expediting investigations and implementing early stroke prevention interventions. Along with the advent of SPCs came a new role for nurses. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the nursing role continues to evolve in the southeastern region of Ontario. SPC nurses play an important role in assisting to coordinate activities in and outside the clinic setting, and are instrumental in raising public and health care provider awareness of TIA, stroke, stroke prevention and risk factor management. In this article, the evolution of SPCs in Ontario is discussed. A case study is used to illustrate both the role of SPCs in expediting diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing TIA or stroke symptoms, as well as the nursing role and how evidence is incorporated into practice. Results of some preliminary research and the issues involved in establishing an appropriate outcome evaluation process are explored. As well, the potential for nursing research within SPCs and future directions for the nursing role are appraised.