Training in Stroke for Doctors, Nurses and Therapists

This chapter describes the skills required for clinicians involved in stroke care. Some of the documents have been prepared specifically for use in Vietnam and other material has been used from international sources. But there should not be much difference. Care given to stroke patients at all points along their pathway should be based on good general principles taught to doctors, nurses and therapists throughout their training augmented by a good understanding of the specific needs of the patient with stroke. Stroke however, rarely occurs in patients without any other medical, psychological or social problems. It is a disease that becomes much more prevalent with increasing age and is usually associated with multiple comorbidities. Once a patient has had a stroke, they are then at increased risk of many other medical problems including chest and urinary infections, venous thromboembolism, pressure sores, depression, dementia, malnutrition, dehydration and many more. Therefore, the clinicians caring for patients with stroke need to be excellent generalists as well as specialists.