Stroke Scales

Course overview

Evidence-based practice (EBP) demands that clinicians base their care on scientific evidence that helps to identify best-practice standards. For health care professionals who work with stroke patients, part of that evidence depends on the accurate and appropriate use of valid and reliable stroke scales. Stroke scales are used to assess patients from the initial contact in the emergency department (ED) through and including rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. These scales provide a baseline from which to compare progress, lack of progress, or deterioration. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: 1. Explain the purpose of using stroke scales. 2. Differentiate among some of the various stroke scales. 3. Describe how to select a stroke scale.