An updated national standard with new guidance to support people recovering from stroke after they leave hospital has been released.
The new version recognises care needs beyond the hospital and includes a stronger focus on rehabilitation, individualised care planning and follow-up.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia.
About 46,000 Australians are likely to have a stroke in Australia this year, while almost 8000 people die from stroke each year and another 440,000 people currently live with the effects of stroke.
Medical Advisor for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Commission and general practitioner, Dr Lee Fong (pictured above) described stroke as having a “long tail.”
Stroke can affect a person’s mobility, psychological health, social wellbeing and their care needs with the impacts often long-lasting and affecting a person’s ability to carry out usual activities like work, study or caring responsibilities.
Dr Fong said these changes often become more obvious after the person leaves hospital.
“Over the past decade, there have been great strides in time-critical care for stroke patients in the crucial minutes and hours immediately after a stroke, with better treatments and more rapid coordinated acute care,” Dr Fong said.
“Despite this progress, many of the after-effects of stroke are hidden, and are felt deeply by patients who experience a stroke, as well as their partners, children and carers.
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“What we are recognising is that rehabilitation is also time-critical – and for most patients, the earlier the better.”
Dr Fong said while patients often received high-quality care in hospital, the transition out of hospital was critical to maximise a person’s recovery.
The 2026 standard emphasises that stroke rehabilitation should start in hospital, with expert therapy and planning to continue care at home or in a rehabilitation hospital.
“People may need help with speech, memory, energy, mental health, eating and drinking, as well as movement,” he said.
“Access to timely rehabilitation, care planning and support makes a huge difference.
“While going home after stroke can be overwhelming, the right healthcare team can support and guide patients on their journey,” Dr Fong said.
The updated standard was developed in collaboration with stakeholders including the Australian Stroke Coalition and the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry, which is updating their data collection and key indicators to align.
The standard was initially published in 2015 to improve likelihood of survival and recovery, while reducing risk of another stroke, an update was made in 2019.
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