No, the patient can’t just go to a rehab ward. Care on a stroke unit is the most effective way of treating stroke and improves both morbidity and mortality.  A stroke unit is usually in a dedicated area of the hospital, where a specialized team looks after stroke patients.  A stroke unit aims to promote recovery and independence in activities of daily living.

There is good evidence proving that stroke units reduce death, dependency and institutional care, without having adverse outcomes such as increased length of hospitalization.  These benefits have been found to be independent of factors such as age, or the severity of the stroke. 

For a more in-depth read of research that has been conducted thus far in regards to stroke units, begin by reading the findings of the stroke unit trials collaboration, who published their findings in the British Medical Journal in 1997, volume 314, page 1151.  

There are several models of care, which may be called ‘stroke units’.  Some are predominantly acute, or are rehabilitation units.  Combined are comprehensive units providing both acute and rehab care.  The evidence is clearest from these comprehensive units which follow a patient’s journey, right from the acute phase through to the rehab phase.  In a comprehensive stroke unit, a specialized, multidisciplinary team provides a coordinated program that includes individual assessment, treatment, regular reviews, discharge planning, and follow-up.  

A stroke may have left a person with a variety of physical complications ranging from problems with swallowing, continence, communication, and mobility.  A stroke can also affect someone’s perception and cognitive skills.  There are also psychological and emotional changes that can occur which may be quite difficult to cope with.  Other changes which can also occur include depression, tiredness, memory problems, loss of concentration, personality changes, irritability and aggression.  Therefore, effective rehabilitation provided through a stroke unit relies on a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach.  

There are mobile units which function in some centres.  However, these are thought to be a less effective form of specialized stroke care.  Now, for further bedtime reading in reference to stroke unit care, you can refer to the National Stroke Guidelines which can be found via the web, www.strokefoundation.com.au or you can also refer to a journal article by Peter Langhorne, which can be found in the Journal of Age and Ageing, published in 2001.  This article can be found in volume 31, page 365.