The purpose of this study is to determine whether an outpatient program can reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability. A history of stroke is the strongest predictor of a future stroke. Control of risk factors lowers the risk of future stroke, yet most persons with stroke do not have their risk factors controlled. In this randomized-controlled trial, we will test whether an outpatient stroke prevention program consisting of group clinics, patient self-management, and telephone care coordination can lower the risk of recurrent stroke by improving patient knowledge, medication adherence, and lifestyle habits. If successful, this program may be adapted to other settings.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
54
Stroke prevention care program consists of group clinics, telephone coordination of care, and tracking of care through registries in the first 7 months after stroke or TIA presentation. A nurse practitioner will follow algorithms to adjust medications and to motivate patients to improve lifestyle habits.
VA Long Beach Health Care System
Long Beach, California, United States
Blood pressure control
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 7 months
control of other stroke risk factors including lipids, smoking, and exercise
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 7 months
patient perceptions of care quality
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 7 months
medication adherence
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 7 months
Stroke knowledge
Open ended questions about the warning signs about stroke. Open ended questions about the risk factors of stroke. These questions evaluate the effectiveness of the didactic portion of the group sessions.
Time frame: baseline, 3 months, 7 months
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