At a glance - Prevention of secondary stroke in VA: Role of occupational therapists and physical therapists

JRRD at a Glance

Prevention of secondary stroke in VA: Role of occupational therapists and physical therapists

Arlene A. Schmid, PhD, OTR, et al.

People who have had a stroke are at risk for a second stroke. Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense stroke rehabilitation guidelines indicate that secondary stroke prevention should be part of stroke rehabilitation. We surveyed rehabilitation therapists to assess whether they work with veterans to reduce the risk of a second stroke. We found that only half the therapists were aware of the guidelines and only half discussed secondary stroke prevention and often referred patients to other healthcare providers for such information. Therapists spend a lot of time with patients after stroke helping them to regain their highest level of function and thus have the opportunity to engage patients in health promotion activities that will decrease the risk of a second stroke.

Volume 45 Number 7, 2008
Pages 1019 — 1026

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