Management of ischemic stroke: Part 2. The inpatient stay.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke is commonly encountered by the hospitalist. There have been dramatic changes in our ability to care for these patients both acutely and in secondary prevention. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) primary stroke center certification has become progressively more important to institutions nationally and emphasizes many elements of the inpatient stay and discharge process. PURPOSE: After admission, the focus changes to avoidance of complications and the appropriate initiation of allied therapies and secondary prevention. DATA SOURCES: Primary trials, current guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The hospitalist is well-positioned to play a major role in the treatment of stroke patients as well as the systems work that aids in the management of this population.