In recent years stroke has been recognised as a national clinical, research and policy priority. Stroke nurses and stroke nursing are important contributors, but previous studies have highlighted lack of clarity and contradictions in the nursing role. A stroke nursing conference in 2002 offered the opportunity to explore nurses’ vision for the future through a series of focus group meetings. Many examples of good practice were identified, for example, nursing contributions to risk factor management and secondary prevention, service co-ordination and development, follow-up and support of stroke patients and their families. However, areas for further development include realigning services to a patient focus and ensuring equitable access, integrating services, supporting development of the nursing research evidence base and providing career and educational frameworks for nurses in stroke care. Nurses set out a vision for stroke nursing in which current strengths and developments are consolidated and disseminated in a dynamic, multiprofessional, integrated patient-focused service.
Nursing Standard. 19, 12, 33-38. doi: 10.7748/ns2004.12.19.12.33.c3768
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
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