Setting the Scene

Abstract

This chapter describes the importance of stroke nursing in the context of wider systems. It also describes the stroke service context, setting out how stroke has developed to become recognised as a policy priority, with national strategies, service and management developments, and networks to support education and research. The costs of stroke are substantial, due to the complexity and chronic nature of this condition. The World Stroke Organization has released guidelines and a quality action plan framework to inform stroke policy and set strategic directions to elevate standards of stroke care. Research plays an important part in service development; support and facilitation of research are national priorities around the world. Various strategies are employed to support research capacity development and to maximise engagement at the stroke unit level and recruitment of individual stroke patients.