The Mount Vernon stroke service: a feasibility study to determine whether it is possible to apply the principles of stroke unit management to patients and their families on general medical wards.

A feasibility study has shown that it is possible to apply the principles of stroke unit management to patients and their families on general wards. Ninety-one consecutive stroke patients were managed by a multidisciplinary stroke therapy team which was co-ordinated by a medical registrar, met weekly, and developed a family support service. This was achieved within the pre-existing hospital timetable and staffing level, without providing a specialist 'stroke ward'. (Only 3-4 medical hours a week were needed.) The advantages of the service were: speedy referral to therapists, development of a team approach, provision of better information and psychological support for patients and families, provision of more speech therapy (49%) and occupational therapy (80%) than on other medical wards in other studies. Further research is required to evaluate the effect of the service on specific outcomes of stroke.