EBP Compendium: Summary of Clinical Practice Guideline

Department of Health, Republic of South Africa; Stroke Foundation of South Africa
National Guideline on Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack Management
Directorate: Chronic Diseases, Disabilities and Geriatrics (2001).
Republic of South Africa: Department of Health, 32 pages.

AGREE Rating: Recommended with Provisos

Description:

This guideline provides recommendations for the acute and post-acute management of individuals with stroke. These recommendations are useful to a variety of healthcare professionals.  

Recommendations:

• Assessment/Diagnosis
  • Assessment Areas
    • Swallowing
      • The role of the speech therapist includes diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders” (p. 17).
      • “All those involved with stroke patients should be aware of the possibility of dysphagia and patients should be screened before being given food and drinks” (p. 18).
• Treatment
  • Speech
    • Augmentative and Alternative Communication - “The speech and language therapist will be involved in all cases where there are communication problems following stroke. Such therapy should include augmentative communication systems in cases where intelligible speech is not a reasonable goal.
  • Language
    • General Findings - "If the patient has receptive (Wernicke's) aphasia, speak slowly, using simple sentences. If the patient has expressive (Broca's) aphasia or dysarthria with difficulty speaking, give him/her enough time to speak. Never hasten the person but be patient with him/her. Create conversation cards by printing simple messages on index cards, encourage the patient to express him/herself" (p. 22).
  • Swallowing
    • General Findings - The role of the speech therapist includes diagnosis and treatment of swallowing disorders” (p. 17).
    • Dietary Modification - "Adjust diet according to swallowing problems. Give adequate fluids" (p. 22). 

Keywords: Stroke

Access the Guideline

Added to Compendium: November 2010