Towards a better integrated stroke care: The development of integrated stroke care in the southern part of Netherlands during the last 15 years (Special 10th Anniversary Edition paper)

Authors

  • Ron Heijnen
  • Martien Limburg
  • Silvia Evers
  • George Beusmans
  • Trudy van der Weijden
  • Jos Schols

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.744

Keywords:

integrated care, stroke service, Netherlands

Abstract

Introduction:  Stroke care is complex and often provided by various healthcare organisations. Integrated care solutions are needed to optimise stroke care. In this paper, we describe the development of integrated stroke care in the region of Maastricht during the last 15 years.

Description of integrated care case: Located in the south of the Netherlands, the region of Maastricht developed integrated stroke care to serve a population of about 180,000 people. Integration was needed to improve the continuity, coordination and quality of stroke care. The development of integrated care in Maastricht was a phased process. The last phase emphasized early discharge from hospital and assessing the best individual rehabilitation track in a specialized nursing home setting.

Discussion and lessons learned: the development and implementation of integrated stroke care in the region of Maastricht led to fewer days in hospital, more patients being directly admitted to the stroke unit and an earlier start of rehabilitation. The implementation of early discharge from the hospital and rehabilitation assessment in a nursing home led to some unforeseen problems and lessons learned.

Author Biographies

Ron Heijnen

MD, PhD (candidate), Vivre Group, Polvertorenstraat 6 6211 LX Maastricht, The Netherlands

Martien Limburg

MD, PhD, Professor of neurology, Flevo Hospital, 1315 RA Almere, The Netherlands

Silvia Evers

PhD, Associate Professor at the Department of Health Organisation Policy and Economics, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

George Beusmans

MD, PhD, Associate Professor of General Practice, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

Trudy van der Weijden

PhD, Professor of Implementation of Clinical Practice Guidelines, Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands

Jos Schols

MD, PhD, Professor of Nursing Home Medicine, Department of General Practice, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht,  The Netherlands

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Published

2012-05-25

Issue

Section

Policy papers