Promoting the Roles of Professional Nurses in Preventing Recurrent Stroke: Systemic and Practical Approaches
Keywords:
professional nurse, stroke, recurrence, continuity of care, health behaviour promotionAbstract
Stroke is a major public health concern that affects patients’ quality of life and increases the burden on healthcare systems. Furthermore, stroke survivors still are at high risk of having recurrent stroke. Preventing stroke recurrence therefore is a key responsibility of the healthcare team, particularly professional nurses who are directly involved in every step of post-stroke care. Nurses play a crucial role in risk assessment, health education, and the promotion of healthy behaviors such as blood pressure control, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. They also coordinate continuity of care by collaborating with primary healthcare providers and family caregivers, as well as conducting follow-ups through home visits, phone calls, or digital health tools to monitor patient status and prevent complications. Moreover, nurses provide psychosocial support that empowers stroke survivors and their families to engage in sustained self-care. This article highlights the multidimensional role of professional nurses in post-discharge stroke care and emphasizes the need to strengthen their capacity within the health system to effectively prevent stroke recurrence.
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