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Updated: Feb 18, 2026

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Canadian stroke best practice recommendations: Secondary prevention of stroke, sixth edition practice guidelines,
Theodore Wein1,2, M Patrice Lindsay3, Robert Côté1,2
11 McGill University, Canada.
Insights
This updated guideline offers evidence-based strategies for preventing recurrent ischemic stroke by managing vascular risk factors. It emphasizes a systems approach and interprofessional teams for equitable stroke care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Secondary stroke prevention is crucial for reducing recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
- Managing modifiable vascular risk factors is key to preventing ischemic stroke.
- Existing guidelines require regular updates to incorporate new evidence and best practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide clinicians with current, evidence-based recommendations for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke.
- To guide the identification and management of modifiable vascular risk factors to prevent stroke recurrence.
- To update and disseminate the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for clinicians.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and synthesis of the latest scientific evidence.
- Development of consensus-based recommendations by expert panels.
- Inclusion of diagnostic testing, lifestyle modifications, and pharmacotherapy guidance.
Main Results:
- The 2017 update includes new recommendations on cervical artery dissection and patent foramen ovale management.
- Core elements for secondary stroke prevention services and performance measures are introduced.
- Recommendations cover hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, antiplatelet/anticoagulant therapies, and carotid artery disease.
Conclusions:
- The updated recommendations promote a systems approach to stroke care, involving interprofessional teams.
- Emphasis is placed on overcoming geographic barriers to ensure equitable access to stroke prevention services.
- Implementation resources and performance measures are provided to support the adoption and effectiveness of the guidelines.
Abstract:
The 2017 update of The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations for the Secondary Prevention of Stroke is a collection of current evidence-based recommendations intended for use by clinicians across a wide range of settings. The goal is to provide guidance for the prevention of ischemic stroke recurrence through the identification and management of modifiable vascular risk factors. Recommendations include those related to diagnostic testing, diet and lifestyle, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiac conditions. Notable changes in this sixth edition include the development of core elements for delivering secondary stroke prevention services, the addition of a section on cervical artery dissection, new recommendations regarding the management of patent foramen ovale, and the removal of the recommendations on management of sleep apnea. The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations include a range of supporting materials such as implementation resources to facilitate the adoption of evidence to practice, and related performance measures to enable monitoring of uptake and effectiveness of the recommendations. The guidelines further emphasize the need for a systems approach to stroke care, involving an interprofessional team, with access to specialists regardless of patient location, and the need to overcome geographic barriers to ensure equity in access within a universal health care system.
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