I Hartigan1, J Cooke, P Barry, M O'Connor, D O'Mahony. 1. Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland, UK. i.hartigan@ucc.ie
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Approximately 2,500 people die from stroke each year yet there is a lack of Irish services provision. AIMS: The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of acute stroke emergency admissions in a large teaching hospital and present an analysis of this cohort. METHODS: All patients presenting acutely to the Emergency Department in 2005 meeting the WHO definition of stroke were included in our study. A chart review of the identified patients was conducted to obtain the necessary information. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients experienced an acute stroke, representing 1.6% of all acute admissions. 81.7% (223) of patients survived to discharge from the acute hospital. At 1 year, 65.2% (178) patients were still alive post-stroke. The mean length of stay in our acute hospital was 21.1 days following stroke. CONCLUSION: Stroke represents a considerable burden on health resources within the hospital.
BACKGROUND: Approximately 2,500 people die from stroke each year yet there is a lack of Irish services provision. AIMS: The aims of this study were to investigate the incidence of acute stroke emergency admissions in a large teaching hospital and present an analysis of this cohort. METHODS: All patients presenting acutely to the Emergency Department in 2005 meeting the WHO definition of stroke were included in our study. A chart review of the identified patients was conducted to obtain the necessary information. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients experienced an acute stroke, representing 1.6% of all acute admissions. 81.7% (223) of patients survived to discharge from the acute hospital. At 1 year, 65.2% (178) patients were still alive post-stroke. The mean length of stay in our acute hospital was 21.1 days following stroke. CONCLUSION:Stroke represents a considerable burden on health resources within the hospital.