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Stroke: Hospital Stay and Care Experience

Care for stroke patients in the hospital can be beneficial for post-stroke support. Learn what to expect from your care experience during this time.

Stroke Hospital Care: What to Expect

Stroke hospitalisation is usually recommended for patients who require monitoring and treatment. The Stroke Unit is a designated area in the hospital managed by a specialised, multidisciplinary stroke care team, where stroke treatment in hospital can be provided.

Stroke Care Team

The members of the stroke care team may include:

• Doctor

• Nurse

• Physiotherapist

• Occupational therapist

• Speech therapist

• Dietitian

• Pharmacist

• Medical social worker

• Neuropsychologist

Monitoring

Regular monitoring is a crucial part of care for stroke patients in the hospital. This may include periodic checks of blood pressure and assessment of the patient’s condition every few hours.

Screening

Patients will be assessed by various stroke care team members followed by an appropriate intervention or referral to any necessary healthcare professionals.

Screening Checklist

Investigation

You will undergo various tests which may include:

Brain Scan
	Either Computerised tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. This will help to identify the type, location and size of the stroke area.
Ultrasound
	Ultrasound of the neck and brain blood vessels to assess the blood supply in the brain.
Heart Tests
	Electrocardiogram (ECG) checks for any abnormal heart rhythm. Echocardiogram is an ultrasound to check for the presence of any clots or abnormal communications between the chambers of your heart. Holter monitors the heart rhythm with continuous ECG over 24 or 48 hours to detect any heart rhythm abnormalities.
Blood Tests
	To screen for new risk factor(s) or measurement control of existing risk factor(s). To measure your blood counts and check the function of your other organs such as kidneys and liver.

Medication

Your doctor may prescribe medication for stroke treatment in hospital. These may be taken orally or given by injection. Do inform your stroke care team if you are taking any medication(s), over-the-counter drug(s) or traditional Chinese medications (TCM). It is best not to self-medicate before speaking to your doctor.

Early Mobilisation

Your stroke care team will encourage early mobilisation once it is safe. This is to promote smooth recovery and prevention of complications. Your safety is priority, so always ask your stroke care team for assistance if needed.

Screening and Prevention of Post-stroke Acute Complications

You will be monitored closely for any post-stroke acute complications during your hospital stay.

Planning for Rehabilitation

Your stroke care team will assess your mobility function and social situation. Rehabilitation planning will be a team-based decision together with you and your family.

Your caregiver may be required to undergo caregiver training depending on your care requirement.

Discharge Care Plan

Starting a discharge plan as soon as possible is important. If needed, the stroke hospital care team will help to organise services and make contact with key providers before you leave the hospital.

Discharge planning may include:

• Written communication to your primary care doctor at the General Practitioner/Polyclinic

• Referral to Agency of Integrated Care (AIC) to arrange for services at community hospitals, day rehabilitation centres, day care centres, home nursing, home medical programme and nursing homes

• Recommendation of medical equipment, mobility equipment and home modifications

• Coordination of outpatient medical clinic appointments after discharge