Directing risk reduction resources to SPC patients at
highest risk of not achieving risk management targets has
become increasingly important as clinic volumes have
increased and healthcare systems struggle to maintain
benchmark timelines within limited resources. Although
preventive medical treatments have evolved over the past
10 years, little has been learned about the demographic,
social–psychological and other characteristics of this
specific ‘at risk for stroke’ population. These characteristics
have potential to mediate health behavior and affect
achievement of risk reduction targets.
We suggest that the ability to focus nursing case
management and other prevention resources on those SPC
patients whose risk may be compounded by the presence
of additional social–psychological risk factors will be
critical to developing effective and efficient stroke
prevention care delivery systems for the future. This
research provides additional knowledge in identifying SPC
patient characteristics that predict achievement of hypertension
and diabetes outcomes 6 months following their
admission to a SPC following TIA or stroke. The risk factors
of hypertension and diabetes were selected as the focus of
this study as they are two of the most important modifiable
risk factors for stroke (Canadian Stroke Guidelines, 2008).
Both are highly treatable if patients receive the appropriate
medications and are effectively counseled and monitored
in their medication adherence and in making other
lifestyle changes to effect risk reduction.