Promoting rehabilitation for stroke survivors

Gibbon, Bernard

is senior lecturer at University of Manchester; Jo Gibson is senior lecturer, Clinical Practice Research Unit at University of Central Lancashire; Catherine Elizabeth Lightbody is senior research fellow, Clinical Practice Research Unit at University of Central Lancashire; Kathryn Radford is associate professor at University of Nottingham; Caroline Watkins is professor of stroke and older people's care and school director of research, Clinical Practice Research Unit at University of Central Lancashire.

• This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

Nursing Times 108(47):p 12-15, November 20, 2012.

Abstract

Stroke does not only affect physical health; it also has an impact on psychological health and many other aspects of survivors' lives.

Nurses have a central role in stroke rehabilitation. This article discusses rehabilitation, the role of the nurse, psychological care, secondary prevention and life after stroke. It focuses on resuming driving and returning to work as these are particularly important for the one-quarter of stroke patients who are aged under 65.

Good rehabilitation after stroke can help prevent further strokes from occurring, help patients to return to work and alleviate psychological problems

In this article…

Three key aspects of nurses' role in stroke rehabilitation

Why addressing psychological factors saves lives

How nurses can help patients back to work