Managing a stroke unit: an example from Australia with an emphasis on nursing roles.

Stroke care units (SCUs), which are co-ordinated by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and geographically located in one area, are currently the most generaliseable form of effective treatment for stroke. Although the evidence for SCUs is compelling, to date there has been limited evidence regarding the contribution of the different clinical team members who assist in producing the better patient outcomes observed in SCUs. In particular, there has been limited exploration of the different nursing roles. The purpose of this special report is to describe how an SCU operates and highlight the contribution of the various nursing roles as part of the multidisciplinary stroke team. The article is based on one of the longest established stroke services in Melbourne, Australia. The characteristics and composition of the Royal Melbourne Hospital stroke service in providing clinical care and management will be highlighted as an example. Further, the nursing roles related to avoiding complications, education for patients and families and other staff in the unit, as well as participation in research and future career development opportunities are discussed.