Oct 29, 2019
Brussels, October 29th, 2019– Based on insights gathered over the years, the Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) is announcing the first ever European event dedicated solely to life after stroke.
Research and medical attention into the areas of primary prevention and intervention at the point of stroke occurring is an understandable priority, yet for millions of people surviving a stroke results in poor quality of life which may last for decades. In all of this, we must not forget that a life saved must also be a life worth living, and in various parts of the world there is an increasing realisation that the care pathway for stroke needs to take a more integrated approach.
To address this issue, SAFE has committed to organising a first of its kind event in Europe in 2020 – a Life After Stroke forum, for scientists, stroke survivors and their carers, medical professionals and health policy makers.
SAFE has recruited Professor Avril Drummond from School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, UK, as the role of Chair of the Scientific Committee, and we had the pleasure of talking to her about this this key event.
Professor Avril Drummond
Professor Drummond, you chaired the life after stroke domain within the Stroke Action Plan for Europe 2018 – 2030. What is your takeaway from that experience?
I think, first and foremost, the fact that we have this domain in the Stroke Action Plan for Europe included is a fantastic step forward. The recognition of the needs of stroke survivors and their families after their hospital and rehabilitation care, has not previously been given the focus it deserves.
It is in the period after return to the home that the struggle for a new life occurs, which is often characterised by stroke survivors as being cast adrift to find their own way, through maybe decades of cognitive, communication, relationship, financial, mental and physical health issues, complications and changes.
However, there is a lack of research studies into life after stroke covering the entire lifespan and this is something that needs to change. There are growing numbers who believe that pain, depression, relationship breakdown, secondary prevention effectiveness, financial, vocational and stigma issues, as well as the ongoing matters of daily living, mobility, communication, cognition and the absence of ongoing review and support are worth being researched and addressed.
By creating the European Life After Stroke Forum, we are recognising the need to consider this neglected area of the care pathway in a holistic fashion. In addition, the event will put a human face on the consequences of stroke, and on the consequences of not addressing prevention and treatment in the first place.
We are honoured to have you chairing the expert committee for this event. Can you give our readers more insight into the European Life After Stroke Forum?
It is still very early days, but the first steps have been made. The plan is to hold this event towards the end of 2020. We are forming a group of people committed to creating this event, as an opportunity for research, policy, advocacy, or support oriented individuals to come together, to share knowledge and network.
We expect to be able to announce more details on this event’s programme, speakers and topics in the summer of 2020. For more information stay tuned and follow the news on SAFE website.
Oct 26, 2019
Fundació Ictus and the four associations who represent the several local patient groups from Catalonia met last Saturday, 26th October to celebrate the World Stroke Day all together. It was the first time Fundació Ictus and the four associations celebrated together that day in Lleida, one of the four major cities of the country.
Xavier Trias, Fundació Ictus’ president, in the middle of the image, surrounded by the four associations who represent patients in Catalonia
All of them read an ensemble manifesto to speak out all people’s necessities related to this disease. In Catalonia, stroke is the first cause of mortality among women and the second one in men. Moreover, stroke is the principal cause of disability, so it becomes a health and social problem for people who suffered one and their families.
People from the four Catalan patient associations read an ensemble manifesto
Xavier Trias, Fundació Ictus’ president, pointed out the importance of collaboration of all the Catalan association that they should work together in order to be stronger. Furthermore, Trias remembered the relevance of prevention to be successful in avoiding the disease and the importance of rehabilitation to minimize long term damages. In the same meeting, there were politicians who listened very carefully to all the demands expressed.
This event came after another one, which took place last Wednesday 23th October in Barcelona. One of the most important concert halls, Luz de Gas, held a live music concert in support of stroke survivors.
The concert hall Luz de Gas, where the live music concert was held in support of stroke survivors
Oct 25, 2019
Oruen, CNS medical publication and audio-visual platform, would like to recommend to your attention the latest round table discussion about learnings from the ESUS trials – Jesse Dawson, Martin Grond & Maurizio Paciaroni.
Faculty:
Jesse Dawson MD, Professor, Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences University of Glasgow, Scotland
Martin Grond MD, Professor, Department of Neurology Kreisklinikum Siegen, Teaching Hospital of the University of Marburg, Germany
Maurizio Paciaroni MD, Neurologist, Stroke Unit and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Italy
This video discusses the role of NOACs for secondary prevention of stroke in the setting of embolic stroke of unknown source
Following completion of this activity, learners will be able to:
- Outline key features and results of the ESUS trials, with focus on NAVIGATE ESUS and RE-SPECT ESUS
- Recognize differences in study outcomes
- Summarise implications of ESUS as a concept for use in clinical practice
Oct 25, 2019
“Stroke survivors in the UK are going without vital care and support. There are 1.2 million stroke survivors across the UK, but sadly 45% of people feel abandoned after leaving hospital” says Juliet Bouverie, Chief Executive of the Stroke Association UK.
SAFE: What is one issue related to the life after stroke in your country that you think needs special attention?
JB: We need to put the spotlight on long-term stroke care and rehabilitation. As anyone dedicated to helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives will recognise, the condition is extremely complex. People affected by stroke need rehabilitation that covers emotional support, help with finances, support services for carers, as well as physiotherapy, and speech and language therapy. Sadly, a recent Stroke Association survey of stroke survivors across the UK found that, in the aftermath of their stroke, only 18% of stroke survivors were confident that they would get enough support to make a good recovery. And 80% of stroke survivors told us they initially feared they would be sent to a care home.
Stroke causes a wide range of physical, communication, emotional and cognitive difficulties, and more than half of survivors report fatigue, memory and concentration difficulties, anxiety or low mood. Time and again we’ve seen thousands of people adapt to a new life after stroke. But it’s only possible with the right specialist support – and a ton of courage and determination. But the sad truth is that thousands of stroke survivors do not receive the support they need with their recovery when they leave hospital. There are huge regional variations in stroke support and care, which leaves stroke survivors at the mercy of a postcode lottery. On average, stroke survivors receive less than half the amount of rehabilitation recommended by national guidelines and many report feeling ‘abandoned’ after leaving hospital.
We know there are hospitals, stroke units and dedicated professionals leading the way for stroke care and support right across the UK. But too many stroke survivors are being let down because they aren’t given ongoing support to rebuild their lives. We want everyone affected by stroke to have the rehabilitation and long-term support they need, no matter where they live. No stroke survivor should be denied the chance to rebuild their life.
SAFE: What would be the solution, i.e. what is your organisation’s position regarding this issue?
JB: We know that the number of strokes is set to increase, and that too many stroke survivors aren’t getting access to the services they need to make their best possible recovery after they leave hospital. At the moment, we know there’s too much variation in the quality and coverage of care: too many of therapies recommended by clinical guidelines aren’t available across the country.
Stroke is also a hugely expensive condition, costing around £26bn a year across the UK. If we don’t act to roll out some of the actions we know can stop stroke before it strikes, save lives and prevent serious disability, the costs will spiral. We can’t afford not to act.
We want everyone affected by stroke to have access to the support they need and should expect, in line with national guidelines. That’s why we’re working across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to support and drive changes which will improve the lives of people affected by stroke. In England, for example, we’re working closely with NHS England to deliver the Long Term Plan for the NHS, which includes the National Stroke Programme.
This Programme supports health and care services to make improvements from prevention and treatment right through to rehabilitation and long-term support after leaving hospital, including psychological support for stroke survivors. Our focus now is to ensure promised improvements are delivered.
SAFE: Please tell us more about your organisation.
JB: We’re here to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. We want to drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and lifelong support for everyone affected by stroke
We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives. The Stroke Association also offers vital support and information through our Stroke Helpline. My Stroke Guide is our online community of over 11,000 people affected by stroke, which many people said helps with their recovery.
Rebuilding lives after stroke is a team effort. It takes the determination of stroke survivors and carers, the generosity of supporters and the dedication of the healthcare and research communities to get there. We work hard to connect everyone in the stroke community so that people can live the best life possible after stroke. We have a number of stroke clubs and groups which provide essential long-term peer support to stroke survivors, carers, family and friends.
The Stroke Association’s campaign, Rebuilding Lives, aims to change perceptions about stroke, and reach more people who need support with their recovery. We hope the campaign, which includes TV advertising, will help us get our message out to people who need help and support, and raise awareness that it’s possible to rebuild lives after a stroke. To find out more, visit https://www.stroke.org.uk/rebuilding-lives
Oct 20, 2019
Author: Anna Tsiakiri, PhD, Psychologist from the Greek stroke support organisation, Hellenic Alliance for Stroke
This weekend, the Hellenic Alliance for Stroke in cooperation with the Hellenic Neurological Society, Postgraduate Program “Stroke” of Democritus University of Thrace, Hellenic Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Educational and Social Policy of Macedonia University co-organized a two-day scientific event on 19th & 20th October 2019.
The scientific part of the event consisted of lectures from distinguished speakers specialised in Stroke, both in terms of medical care and rehabilitation.
The informative event, that was addressed to general public, aimed to provide useful information about preventing Stroke- how to recognize stroke symptoms, how we should react. A special tribute was made to stroke survivors.
The theatrical group of students of Democritus University has prepared a performance in order to raise awareness of stroke prevention, while HOPA/FAST heroes presented their great work in different parts of Greece.
Hellenic Alliance for Stroke presented their activities and the role of SAFE.
Finally, the event was closed with a Latin performance.
