E8: Assessment (stroke)
People with suspected acute stroke receive an immediate structured clinical assessment from the right people.
Key: e = element | k = knowledge | s = skill
Knowledge and understanding of…
e8k_1:
the signs and symptoms of stroke
e8k_2:
stroke sub-types and their aetiologies
e8k_3:
features of atypical presentation of stroke and stroke mimics
e8k_4:
the physiological, neurological, and psychological effects of stroke, their timeframe during and after a stroke, and how to monitor and act upon them
e8k_5:
emergency investigations and interventions for stroke and the timeframe within which they should be given
e8k_6:
the indications and contraindications for investigations, interventions, and treatments for stroke
e8k_7:
any complications of investigations, interventions, and treatments for stroke and how to prevent and manage them
e8k_8:
different modalities to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of stroke (e.g. telemedicine)
Skills and ability to...
e8s_1:
take and interpret a thorough medical history, including information from carers, family and other agencies where possible, and carry out decision-specific mental capacity assessments as appropriate
e8s_2:
determine, plan, and initiate the appropriate screening, assessments and investigations, and interventions and treatments, and their level of urgency
e8s_3:
perform a physiological assessment and assess vital signs
e8s_4:
perform a standardised neurological assessment using a recognised stroke scale or tool
e8s_5:
obtain and interpret the results of investigations to: diagnose and distinguish between stroke and transient ischaemic attack; classify stroke and identify atypical strokes; and to identify and exclude stroke mimics
e8s_6:
formulate and implement an immediate and ongoing management plan and initiate treatments within the relevant timescales
e8s_7:
recognise stroke-related communication difficulties and adapt methods of communication to discuss with the patient, carer, and family: current event; risk of future vascular event; need for and timeframes of assessments and investigations; rationale for interventions and treatments, their timeframes, and possible side effects; and provide timely information, advice and support
e8s_8:
monitor progress, identify complications or deteriorations, and deliver additional treatments as required
e8s_9:
Identify the need for more specialist or differing treatments when necessary
