Disposition Decisions

Disposition decisions for acute stroke patients involve matching the patient to the appropriate hospital and unit. Stroke patients should be managed at a designated primary or comprehensive stroke center with organized stroke teams and protocols. While some stroke patients may have relatively low acuity, many need close monitoring and hemodynamic management in an intensive or intermediate care unit. When selecting the optimal level of care, it is imperative to consider the patient’s anticipated neurological and medical needs, including their risk for neurological worsening. Having a patient in a dedicated stroke unit is vital to ensure access to comprehensive stroke care with a multidisciplinary team approach.