World Brain Congress

Over 15 million people have suffered from a stroke every year. Studies showed that approximate one-third acute stroke patient would deteriorate after admission. In the acute phase of cerebral ischemia, the affected area is composed of an infarct core which is surrounded by penumbra area. The cerebral blood flow will diminish further and the brain cells cannot survive. The preservation of cerebral blood flow or cerebral perfusion is essential. Stroke is frightening to patient and family members, as it causes serious disability. Often people believe that active training can promote recovery. In fact, undue activities will diminish cerebral blood flow to the affected brain tissue and cause irreversible damage. Health care professional has the duty to correct patient and family's misconceptions at this time. It is crucial that the patient can understand the rationales and comply with management. A systematic review has been conducted to understand the patients’ and families’ information needs during admission of stroke and examine various methods in patients’ and families’ education in stroke. This systematic review concluded the information needs of stroke patients and carers persist from the admission period until the discharge process and further caring in the community. However, the information needs on acute stroke admission are not well researched, especially its therapeutic interplay towards patients and carers. Although education strategies such as personalized written materials have been developed for better patients and carers understanding and treatment compliance, the coverage of different types of stroke patients is limited and the outcome is limited.