Integrated care improves risk-factor modification after @entity64 : initial results of the Integrated Care for the Reduction of XXXX model.

@entity1 @entity717 @entity64 @entity66
OBJECTIVE: Despite evidence demonstrating that risk-factor management is effective in reducing recurrent @entity66 , there are very few structured care programmes for @entity64 survivors. The aim was to implement and evaluate an integrated care programme in @entity64 . METHODS: 186 @entity1 with @entity64 were randomised to either the treatment (integrated care) or control (usual care) group and were followed up over 12 months. The Integrated Care for the Reduction of @entity64 (ICARUSS) model of integrated care involved collaboration between a specialist @entity64 service, a hospital coordinator and a @entity1 's general practitioner. The primary aim was to promote the management of vascular risk factors through ongoing @entity1 contact and education. RESULTS: In the 12 months poststroke, systolic blood pressure (sBP) decreased in the treatment group but increased in controls. The group difference was significant, and remained so when age, sex, disability and sBP at discharge were accounted for (p = 0.04). Treatment @entity1 also exhibited better modification of body mass index (p = 0.007) and number of walks taken (p<0.001) than controls. Rankin scores indicated significantly @entity717 in treatment @entity1 relative to controls in the year poststroke (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Through an integrated system of education, advice and support to both @entity1 and GP, the ICARUSS model was effective in modifying a variety of vascular risk factors and therefore should decrease the likelihood or recurrent @entity64 or vascular event.
