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Wednesday 12 February 2020

Long-term support for stroke survivors under the microscope

Dr Joosup Kim
A Monash University researcher will investigate whether patients with stroke are getting the treatment and support they need to live well once they leave hospital and return home.

Dr Joosup Kim has received a $50,000 Stroke Foundation research grant for his project, which will focus on the quality of care provided by general practitioners (GPs) for patients with stroke once they are discharged from hospital.

Dr Kim said current knowledge in this area was limited.

“Returning home after stroke can be extremely difficult. The sudden and abrupt nature of the disease impacts many areas of life from changing family dynamics to restricted mobility and independence and workplace participation,” Dr Kim said.

“We know medication, lifestyle and mental health should be monitored regularly by GP’s to ensure stroke survivors continue to make gains in their recovery and reduce their risk of another stroke.”

This innovative study will link data collected in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) with a dataset from approximately 800 general practices in Victoria (POLAR) for the first time to gain important insights into the quality of care being provided.

Dr Kim added “From this information, we will be able to identify areas where intervention is required and provide data-driven recommendations for improving the effectiveness of primary care management - not only in Victoria, but nationwide.”

Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability. Almost half a million people are living with the effects of stroke in Australia and that number is estimated to increase to more than one million by 2050.

Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee Chair Professor Amanda Thrift said this project had the potential to change policy.

“High quality and effective stroke research, like this, is crucial to drive improvements in stroke treatment and care,” Prof Thrift said.

“Too many Australians continue to be devastated by stroke. It is it is important to understand the entire continuum of care - from hospital to returning to the community - in order to maximise recovery.

“We want to ensure stroke survivors do not feel lost or isolated and have the knowledge, confidence and support to live well in the long-term.”

Dr Joosup Kim is one of four researchers to be awarded a share of $200,000 through the Stroke Foundation 2020 research grants round. Information on the other recipients here.

Stroke Foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million to more than 200 researchers since 2008.

Story credit: Stroke Foundation

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