The Key Variables for the Development of a Care Model for Stroke

Introduction Stroke is a major cause of death, threatened and reduced health, and a patient’s dependence on support after the acute phase. The increase in knowledge of neurological recovery after a stroke has led to new treatment strategies, where the importance of the physical environment and rehabilitation is on par with the importance of the medical treatment. It is crucial that the whole stroke team is involved in assessing, planning, and evaluating the care provided. Aim The presentation of the variables that are needed for the development of a general model of care for stroke. Material and Methods Method was used is to search electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL) for a review of international literature to 2009 and became selection of books, articles and studies from libraries. The search was done the December of 2010. Results The key variables to develop a model of care are: the care planning, the team culture, the care culture, the professional knowledge, the quality of space, the observation and assessment, the patient participation and the inter-professional teamwork. Conclusions The model presents stroke care as a complex system, with many feedback relationships between key variables for care. The development of the model, with the contributions of existing literature, enables further tests in practice and improvements in stroke care and further refinement of variables which include the model of care.