Primary Care - Fraser Health

TIA / Stroke Prevention ClinicsAccessing rapid stroke assessment with a ‘onesignature’ referral processIn Canada, stroke is the leading cause of major disability, the secondleading cause of dementia, and the fourth leading cause of death.Approximately 1 in 20 patients diagnosed with a Transient IschemicAttack (TIA) in the emergency department will have a full-blownstroke during the following 48 hours.Recognition of TIA symptoms and rapid access to preventativetreatment may help to reduce the chance of a stroke and save lives.Family and emergency room physicians can refer patients with TIA symptoms to a stroke preventionclinic for rapid assessment and preventive treatment. Three new TIA clinics -– open at Abbotsford,Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial Hospitals -– are accessible to all residents in the region.What is the purpose?The risk of stroke is highest within the first 24 to 48 hours following a TIA. Individuals with symptoms canreceive rapid, necessary assessments and treatment at a TIA Clinic within the critical stroke preventionwindow.How do they work?• Three specialized stroke prevention / TIA clinics open in early 2009 and will be available tocommunity GPs by spring.• Physicians in emergency rooms, acute care, walk-in clinics and family or specialist practices will haveaccess to specialized education and clear guidelines to assess and manage TIA patients.• With one signature, a physician can trigger a referral process for rapid access to further assessment,and follow-up.• Once the physician referral is signed, all necessary requisitions can be made through the MOA.• The central referral system ensures TIA patients are assessed quickly and effectively.• A consultation report is generated that identifies risk factors, recommendations, and contributes to amanagement plan for GPs and stroke patients.… continued on reverse →PC.04.21.09