Improving public education about stroke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Stroke is a common and serious disease. Most studies have shown that basic public knowledge about what a stroke is, symptoms of a stroke, and the proper reaction to a stroke is quite deficient. The fact that a stroke affects cognitive, communicative, and motor functions may partially explain the poor reaction to acute stroke symptoms. Several educational studies, using diverse formats and messaging paradigms, have been shown to positively affect public knowledge of stroke symptoms. Such efforts have often used mass media public education campaigns with an emphasis on recognizing symptoms of an acute stroke. Some have been able to demonstrate an increase in the chance of patients (or by-standers) calling 911 and seeking emergency care. However, many programs were of brief duration, and their long-term benefits are uncertain. Continual educational efforts will be needed to improve stroke knowledge and increase the percentage of patients who seek emergency care.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)45-50
Number of pages6
JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume1268
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Keywords

  • Acute stroke care
  • Community education
  • Stroke education
  • Stroke symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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