Februarymarch stroke current awareness by Musgrove Park Hospital Library

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Current Awareness Stroke This monthly Current Awareness Bulletin is produced by the Library, Musgrove Park Academy to provide staff with a range of stroke-related resources to support practice. It includes recently published guidelines and research articles, news and policy items.

This guide provides a selection of resources relevant to the subject area and is not intended to be a comprehensive list. All websites have been evaluated and details are correct at the time of publications. Details correct at time of going to print. Please note that resources are continuously updated. For further help or guidance, please contact a member of library staff.

This guide has been compiled by: Jess Pawley Senior Library Assistant Musgrove Park Hospital Library Service jessica.pawley@tst.nhs.uk

Issue 7 FebruaryMarch 2016

Contents Click on a section title to navigate contents Page Recent journal articles

Books

Cochrane Systematic Reviews

Guidelines

UpToDate & DynaMed Plus

Stroke in the News

Reports, publications and resources

Topic Alerts and Updates

Twitter

Training & Networking Opportunities, Conferences, Events

Literature search service

Training and Athens

Library contact details: Library Musgrove Park Academy Musgrove Park Hospital Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Tel: 01823 34 (2433) Fax: 01823 34 (2434) Email: library@tst.nhs.uk Blog: http://librarymph.wordpress.com @musgrovesompar

RECENT JOURNAL ARTICLES BACK TO TOP This is a list of journal articles on the topic of stroke. Some articles are available in the library or online via an OpenAthens password by following the full-text link. If you would like an article which is not available as full-text then please contact library staff. Please note that abstracts are not always available for all articles.

MUSGROVE STAFF ONLY Click on the image to access full-text-available from 1970 to current using your OpenAthens password

________________________________________ Title: Therapy in transit: managing aphasia in the early period post stroke Citation: Aphasiology, May 2016, vol./is. 30/5(509-516), 0268-7038;1464-5041 (03 May 2016) Author(s): Hersh D. Abstract: Background: There is a very particular set of circumstances facing people with aphasia in the early period following stroke. These circumstances often include a focus on discharge planning and fast transitions between acute, subacute, and community services at the same time as having substantial periods of inactivity (including communicative inactivity) between therapy sessions. Speech pathologists are typically focused on dysphagia in acute settings and have little time for managing aphasia. This is an important issue because of the risk of patients missing out on the potential to exploit a window of opportunity for neurological change in this very early period. Aims: This review uses the analogy of being in transit (likened to waiting for a possible flight after an unexpected disruption to one's journey) following stroke, in order to introduce the articles which follow within this special issue on recovery and care in acute aphasia. Main Contribution: There is therapeutic potential in the early period for people with aphasia and the transit analogy serves to sensitise health professionals working with and for these patients at this time. Conclusions: What happens in this early period may have profound impacts for people with aphasia further down the recovery track. Health professionals have an opportunity to examine how they can assist smooth passage for people with aphasia on their unplanned journey. This may involve speech pathologists recognising and promoting the fundamental importance of communication in acute and subacute settings, about encouraging other health professionals to gain the skills needed for good communication with patients, and about finding ways to overcome the barriers of busyness, lack of time, and fast turnover of patients and staff. The analogy may be a useful way to frame how contexts and systems impact on recovery and care at this time. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Correlations between measures of dynamic balance in individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis

Citation: Journal of Biomechanics, February 2016, vol./is. 49/3(396-400), 0021-9290;1873-2380 (08 Feb 2016) Author(s): Vistamehr A., Kautz S.A., Bowden M.G., Neptune R.R. Abstract: Mediolateral balance control during walking is a challenging task in post-stroke hemiparetic individuals. To detect and treat dynamic balance disorders, it is important to assess balance using reliable methods. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), margin-of-stability (MoS), and peak-to-peak range of angular-momentum (H) are some of the most commonly used measures to assess dynamic balance and fall risk in clinical and laboratory settings. However, it is not clear if these measures lead to similar conclusions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess dynamic balance in post-stroke hemiparetic individuals using BBS, DGI, MoS and the range of H and determine if these measure are correlated. BBS and DGI were collected from 19 individuals poststroke. Additionally, kinematic and kinetic data were collected while the same individuals walked at their self-selected speed. MoS and the range of H were calculated in the mediolateral direction for each participant. Correlation analyses revealed moderate associations between all measures. Overall, a higher range of angular-momentum was associated with a higher MoS, wider step width and lower BBS and DGI scores, indicating poor balance control. Further, only the MoS from the paretic foot placement, but not the nonparetic foot, correlated with the other balance measures. Although moderate correlations existed between all the balance measures, these findings do not necessarily advocate the use of a single measure as each test may assess different constructs of dynamic balance. These findings have important implications for the use and interpretation of dynamic balance assessments. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Does touch massage facilitate recovery after stroke? A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial Citation: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, February 2016, vol./is. 16/1(no pagination), 1472-6882 (February 04, 2016) Author(s): Lamas K., Hager C., Lindgren L., Wester P., Brulin C. Abstract: Background: Despite high quality stroke care, decreased sensorimotor function, anxiety and pain often remain one year after stroke which can lead to impaired health and dependence, as well as higher healthcare costs. Touch massage (TM) has been proven to decrease anxiety and pain, and improve quality of health in other conditions of reduced health, where reduced anxiety seems to be the most pronounced benefit. Thus there are reasons to believe that TM may also reduce anxiety and pain, and improve quality of life after stroke. Further, several studies indicate that somatosensory stimulation can increase sensorimotor function, and it seems feasible to believe that TM could increase independence after stroke. In this study we will evaluate effects of TM after stroke compared to sham treatment. Methods: This is a prospective randomized open-labelled control trial with blinded evaluation (PROBE-design). Fifty patients with stroke admitted to stroke units will be randomized (1:1) to either a TM intervention or a non-active transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (non-TENS) control group. Ten sessions of 30 min treatments (TM or control) will be administered during two weeks. Assessment of status according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), including body function, activity, and participation. Assessment of body function will include anxiety, pain, and stress response (heart rate variability and salivary cortisol), where anxiety is the primary outcome. Activity will be assessed by means of sensorimotor function and disability, and participation by means of health-related quality of life. Assessments will be made at baseline, after one week of treatment, after two weeks of treatment, and finally a follow-up after two months. The trial has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board. Discussion: TM seems to decrease anxiety and pain, increase health-related quality of life, and improve sensorimotor functions after stroke, but the field is largely unexplored. Considering the documented pleasant effects of massage in general, absence of reported adverse effects, and potential effects in relation to stroke, it is essential to evaluate effects of TM during the sub-acute phase after stroke. The results of this project will hopefully provide important knowledge for evidence-based care. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NTC01883947 Full text: Available ProQuest at BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Full text: Available ProQuest at BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Full text: Available ProQuest at BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine Full text: Available ProQuest at BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Controversies in antiplatelet therapy in the secondary prevention of stroke Citation: European Geriatric Medicine, February 2016, vol./is. 7/1(65-69), 1878-7649 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Adamek T. Abstract: Recurrence of stroke has been estimated at 3-4% yearly after TIA or stroke. There is no clear agreement in choosing antiplatelet therapy at this time. Europeans, Americans and British guidelines have been different. Aspirin is still used in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, because of the longest experience with the best-achieved results in different studies and low price. Other used drugs are a combination of aspirin and dipyridamole, P2Y<inf>12</inf> receptor antagonists - clopidogrel, ticlopidine, prasugrel and ticagrelor, or inhibitor of phosphodiesterase cilostazol, which was effective with Chinese and Japanese population. The common agreement is not to use a dual antiplatelet therapy in long term, because it does not carry a higher reduction of ischemic attacks than monotherapy. The other negative effect is causing more incidents with severe hemorrhage. According to the American recommendation, the combined therapy is promising early after having TIA and light stroke when the risk of recurrence of stroke is high. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Promoting recovery from ischemic stroke Citation: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, February 2016, vol./is. 16/2(173-186), 14737175;1744-8360 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Schmidt A., Minnerup J. Abstract: Over recent decades, experimental and clinical stroke studies have identified a number of neurorestorative treatments that stimulate neural plasticity and promote functional recovery. In contrast to the acute stroke treatments thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy, neurorestorative treatments are still effective when initiated days after stroke onset, which makes them applicable to virtually all stroke patients. In this article, selected physical, pharmacological and cell-based neurorestorative therapies are discussed, with special emphasis on interventions that have already been transferred from the laboratory to the clinical setting. We explain molecular and structural processes that promote neural plasticity, discuss potential limitations of neurorestorative treatments, and offer a speculative viewpoint on how neurorestorative treatments will evolve. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Domain-specific versus generalized cognitive screening in acute stroke Citation: Journal of Neurology, February 2016, vol./is. 263/2(306-315), 0340-5354;1432-1459 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Demeyere N., Riddoch M.J., Slavkova E.D., Jones K., Reckless I., Mathieson P., Humphreys G.W. Abstract: Cognitive assessments after stroke are typically short form tests developed for dementia that generates pass/fail classifications (e.g. the MoCA). The Oxford Cognitive Screen (OCS) provides a domain-specific cognitive profile designed for stroke survivors. This study compared the use of the MoCA and the OCS in acute stroke with respect to symptom specificity and aspects of clinical utility. A cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of 200 stroke patients within 3 weeks of stroke completing MoCA and OCS. Demographic data, lesion side and Barthel scores were recorded. Inclusivity was assessed in terms of completion rates and reasons for non-completion were evaluated. The incidence of cognitive impairments on both the MoCA and OCS sub-domains was calculated and differences in stroke specificity, cognitive profiles and independence of the measures were addressed. The incidence of acute cognitive impairment was high: 76 % of patients were impaired on MoCA, and 86 % demonstrated at least one impairment on the cognitive domains assessed in the OCS. OCS was more sensitive than MoCA overall (87 vs 78 % sensitivity) and OCS alone provided domain-specific information on prevalent post-stroke cognitive impairments (neglect, apraxia and reading/writing ability). Unlike the MOCA, the OCS was not dominated by left hemisphere

impairments but gave differentiated profiles across the contrasting domains. The OCS detects important cognitive deficits after stroke not assessed in the MoCA, it is inclusive for patients with aphasia and neglect and it is less confounded by co-occurring difficulties in these domains. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Factors associated with post-stroke depression and fatigue: lesion location and coping styles Citation: Journal of Neurology, February 2016, vol./is. 263/2(269-276), 0340-5354;1432-1459 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Wei C., Zhang F., Chen L., Ma X., Zhang N., Hao J. Abstract: Post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke fatigue (PSF) are frequent and persistent problems among stroke survivors. Therefore, awareness of signs and symptoms of PSD and PSF is important for their treatment and recovery from stroke. Additionally, since sudden serious illness can result in disequilibrium, early institution of a coping process is essential to restoring stability. The brain damage of stroke leaves patients with unique physical and mental dysfunctions for which coping maybe a key resource while rebuilding lives. We evaluated 368 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke for post-stroke emotional disorders at admission and 3 months later. PSD was evaluated by using the Beck Depression Inventory, and PSF was scored with the Fatigue Severity Scale. The Social Support Rating Scale and Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire were also used as measurement tools. Locations of lesions were based on MRI. Those scans revealed infarcts located in the basal ganglia, corona radiate and internal capsule and constituted the independent factors associated with PSF 3 months after stroke occurrence. Conversely, PSD was not related to lesion location. Acceptance-resignation related to PSD and PSF both at admission and 3 months after stroke. Avoidance was the independent factor most closely related to PSD, whereas confrontation was the independent factor best related to PSF at 3 months after stroke onset. ________________________________________________________________________________ Title: Risk of Recurrent Neurologic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and Intrapulmonary Shunt Citation: Echocardiography, February 2016, vol./is. 33/2(276-280), 0742-2822;1540-8175 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Sinha R.S., Hussain Z., Bhatia N., Stoddard M.F. Abstract: Background and Purpose Cardio-embolic phenomenon is believed to underlie a significant proportion of cryptogenic strokes. We recently showed that intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) was associated with cryptogenic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). We hypothesized that patients with prior cryptogenic stroke or TIA that had an IPS were at a higher risk for recurrent ischemic events. Methods The population included subjects with cryptogenic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or TIA. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, sinus rhythm, and clinically indicated transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Exclusion criteria were hemorrhagic CVA, septal defect, and patent foramen. Patients were followed from index TEE. Results Of 71 patients, 8 were lost to follow-up. A total of 23 patients had and 40 were without IPS. Average follow-up duration was 38.3 +/- 19.2 months. Groups were similar at baseline. There was no significant difference in the recurrence of ischemic CVA or TIA in the IPS versus non-IPS groups (0% vs. 7.5%; P = NS). There was no difference between the incidence of hemorrhagic CVA in the IPS and non-IPS groups (4.3% vs. 5.0%; P = NS). The proportion of patients on warfarin in the IPS group was significantly higher compared to the non-IPS group (17.4% vs. 0%; P < 0.05). Conclusions Patients with IPS and cryptogenic stroke or TIA did not have a higher recurrence of ischemic cerebral events. Warfarin was significantly higher at follow-up in the IPS compared to the non-IPS group, which may explain these findings. A study randomizing patients with IPS and cryptogenic stroke or TIA to warfarin or no warfarin would be of great interest.

Title: Role of Vascular Disease in Alzheimer-Like Progressive Cognitive Impairment Citation: Stroke, February 2016, vol./is. 47/2(577-580), 0039-2499;1524-4628 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Viswanathan A., Greenberg S.M., Scheltens P. Full Text: Available from Ovid fulltext collection in Stroke Available from Ovid online collection in Stroke

Title: Relationship of functional disability after a recent stroke with recurrent stroke risk Citation: European Journal of Neurology, February 2016, vol./is. 23/2(361-367), 1351-5101;14681331 (01 Feb 2016) Author(s): Park J.-H., Ovbiagele B. Abstract: Background and purpose: Post-stroke disability status is primarily focused on recovery prognostication but the influence of post-stroke disability on future vascular risk is unknown. The relationship between functional disability after an index stroke and risk of recurrent vascular events was examined. Methods: A cohort analysis of 3680 recent non-cardioembolic, non-to-moderate disabled [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) <3] stroke patients aged >35 years and followed for 2 years was reviewed. The mRS measured at a median of 35 days after the index stroke was analyzed as a dichotomous variable (mRS 3 vs. <2) and in a stepwise manner. Independent associations of poststroke disability by mRS score with ischaemic stroke (primary outcome), stroke/coronary heart disease/vascular death as major vascular events (secondary outcome) and all-cause death (tertiary outcome) were analyzed. Results: Amongst study participants, 435 (11.8%) had an mRS of 3. Compared with mRS <2 as no/slight disability, mRS 3 as moderate disability was associated with a higher risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.06-1.99). Compared with mRS 0, there was a progressively higher independent risk for each of the study outcomes: stroke, mRS 1 (1.42, 0.97-2.08), mRS 2 (1.46, 0.97-2.20), mRS 3 (1.89, 1.20-2.97); major vascular events, mRS 1 (1.31, 1.01-1.70), mRS 2 (1.31, 0.99-1.74), mRS 3 (1.46, 1.06-2.01); and all-cause death, mRS 1 (1.75, 1.03-2.98), mRS 2 (2.49, 1.44-4.31), mRS 3 (2.72, 1.43-5.19). Conclusion: Compared with no/slight disability, moderate disability after a recent stroke is linked to a higher risk of recurrent stroke. European Journal of Neurology.

BOOKS BACK TO TOP If you are unable to find a book, or require a book that is not on this list, please ask library staff who will be able to locate the book for you using interlibrary loan. Please note that some books detailed below may not be available in your local library and would need to be ordered for you. Stroke rehabilitation: a function-based approach Gillen 2016

Stroke medicine: case studies from Queen Square Gill et al 2015

From the back of the book: Learn to confidently manage the growing number of stroke rehabilitation clients with Gillen'sStroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach, 4th Edition. Using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, this text remains the onlycomprehensive, evidence-based stroke rehabilitation resource for occupational therapists. The new edition has been extensively updated with the latest information, along with more evidencebased research added to every chapter. As with previous editions, this comprehensive reference uses an application-based method that integrates background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and current treatment techniques and intervention strategies.

From the back of the book: This collection of case studies is authored by a group of internationally recognised experts in the field of cerebrovascular disease. The cases are carefully selected to provide an insight into the different kinds of stroke syndromes from the common through to more rare presentations of cerebrovascular pathology. Each case is worked through with a discussion on presentation, clinical features, examination, radiological findings and management. Finally, learning points are highlighted to help the reader focus on the key points of the case study. Stroke Medicine: Case Studies from Queen Square is aimed at medical students and doctors in all stages of training from foundation years through to consultancy.

Taunton and SomPar NHS staff - Have you visited the EBL eBook catalogue? Follow the links below and login via OpenAthens to read online books free for 5-10 minutes each day, send requests for eBook loans or purchase suggestions Taunton & Somerset eBook catalogue

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COCHRANE SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS BACK TO TOP Reviews from January/February 2016 Legislative smoking bans for reducing harms from secondhand smoke exposure, smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption

Puerarin for ischaemic stroke Protocols from February 2016 Telemedicine for acute ischaemic stroke

GUIDELINES BACK TO TOP th

National Clinical Guideline for Stroke, 4 edition 2012 NICE Guidelines Mechanical clot retrieval for treating acute ischaemic stroke- NICE interventional procedure guidance [IPG548] Published date: February 2016 Secondary prevention after a myocardial infarction- NICE quality standard [QS99] Published date: September 2015 Cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid modification- NICE quality standard [QS100] Published date: September 2015 Edoxaban for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillationNICE technology appraisal guidance [TA355] Published date: September 2015

UPTODATE & DYNAMED PLUS BACK TO TOP Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new from our clinical decision-making tools on the topic of stroke. UpToDate â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Access for Musgrove staff onlyDynaMed Plus Please contact library staff for details on how to access these resources; you will need an Athens password if accessing from home.

STROKE IN THE NEWS

REPORTS, PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES BACK TO TOP NICE Pathway on Stroke UK Stroke Forum- hosted by Stroke Association Stroke Association website- contains information about support groups, conferences, fundraising, research and professional advice including toolkits and posters. The Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme- 2 reports Post-acute organisational audit Presents the findings on the organisation of care for stroke survivors once they leave hospital. The audit highlights the number and location of post-acute stroke services across the UK and outlines what a patient might expect in accessing these services. Is stroke care improving? The second SSNAP annual report The second annual SSNAP report reveals today that despite steady progress in stroke care, further work needs to be done to ensure that patients have access to key interventions and assessments when they are admitted to hospital. ‘Just Do It’ – Why Not? Stroke patients’ recovery flourishes in revitalised rehabilitation garden Ward receptionist Diane Morris had the idea to improve the garden for patients and their families and applied for funding through our ‘Just Do It’ scheme. With the help of the local Rotary Club, the greenhouse was repaired and the garden is full of herbs, flowers and vegetables. An innovative way of improving stroke care at the Countess of Chester hospital This project began after the trust’s stroke service was awarded a low ‘E’ rating by the national Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP). A stroke improvement team was created, including a member of each faculty of the multidisciplinary team involved in providing care. The team met every week to address deficiencies; a live data analysis tool mirroring the SSNAP audit was developed, assessing stroke care in 10 domains.

TOPIC ALERTS AND UPDATES BACK TO TOP ABSTRACTS AVAILABLE VIA LINKS BELOW - FOR FULL-TEXT PLEASE ASK LIBRARY STAFF

NHS Evidence Antiplatelet Agents for the Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Network Meta-Analysis. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2016 Feb 5

Different systolic blood pressure targets for people with history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack: PAST-BP (Prevention After Strokeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Blood Pressure) randomised controlled trial

BMJ 2016; 352 FREE FULL TEXT Choosing a particular oral anticoagulant and dose for stroke prevention in individual patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: part 1 European Heart Journal, First published online: 4 February 2016 Choosing a particular oral anticoagulant and dose for stroke prevention in individual patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: part 2 European Heart Journal, First published online: 4 February 2016 The impact of environmental factors on resuming valued activities post-stroke: A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative findings. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2016 Feb 4

Elsevier Practice Updates Stroke patients admitted within normal working hours are more likely to achieve process standards and to have better outcomes J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2016;87:138-143 FREE FULL TEXT Quantifying the risk of heart disease following acute ischaemic stroke: a meta-analysis of over 50 000 participants BMJ Open 2016 Published 20 January 2016 FREE FULL TEXT

Medscape Topic Alerts Differences in the role of black race and stroke risk factors for first vs recurrent stroke Neurology, Published online before print January 20, 2016

Stroke of undetermined cause: workup and secondary prevention. Curr Opin Neurol. 2016 Feb;29(1):4-8. Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients Dependent on the Daily Help of Others Before Stroke Stroke. 2016; published online before print January 21 2016. Effect of a Task-Oriented Rehabilitation Program on Upper Extremity Recovery Following Motor StrokeThe ICARE Randomized Clinical Trial JAMA. 2016;315(6):571-581. Stent Retrievers for the Treatment of Acute Ischemic StrokeA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials JAMA Neurol. Published online January 25, 2016 FREE FULL TEXT Self-Administered Computer Therapy for Apraxia of Speech: Two-Period Randomized Control Trial With Crossover Stroke. 2016; 47: 822-828 The prognosis of acute symptomatic seizures after ischaemic stroke J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry Published Online First 27 January 2016 Pioglitazone after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack NEJM, February 17, 2016 FREE FULL TEXT

TRIP Database Gender differences of thromboembolic events in atrial fibrillation Am J Cardiol. 2016 Mar 15;117(6):1021-7 FREE FULL TEXT Combined Cognitive-Strategy and Task-Specific Training Affects Cognition and Upper-Extremity Function in Subacute Stroke: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Occup Ther. 2016 Mar-Apr;70(2)

A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Tongue-Pressure Resistance Training Protocols for Post-Stroke Dysphagia. Dysphagia. 2016 Mar 2. [Epub ahead of print] Stroke and Embolic Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Risk Stratification in Patients Without Atrial Fibrillation. Stroke. 2016 Mar 3. [Epub ahead of print] Medline Plus High Level of Depressive Symptoms at Repeated Study Visits and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke over 10 Years in Older Adults: The Three-City Study Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Volume 64, Issue 1, pages 118â&#x20AC;&#x201C;125, January 2016 FREE FULL TEXT

TWITTER BACK TO TOP The latest from popular Twitter pages dedicated to stroke: Stroke Association @TheStrokeAssoc World Stroke Campaign @WStrokeCampaign Sign Against Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation @signagnststroke Different Strokes- Support for Younger Stroke Survivors @diffstrokes

TRAINING & NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, CONFERENCES, EVENTS BACK TO TOP Stroke Association- Events for Professionals- ongoing events throughout the year th

British Association of Stroke Physicians- Trainees Weekend- 18 -19 March 2016, Birmingham th

25 European Stroke Conference - 13 -15 April, Venice nd

European Stroke Organisation Conference- 10 -12 May, Barcelona th

10th World Stroke Congress- 26 -29 October, Hyderabad, India

LITERATURE SEARCH SERVICE BACK TO TOP Looking for the latest evidence-based research but havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t got time to trawl the databases? Do you need a literature search carried out? Do you need to find evidence to support an improvement? Do you want to know how something has been done elsewhere and whether it worked?

Library staff provide a literature search service for busy clinicians who are pressed for time.

To request a search please complete and return the appropriate form, providing as much information as possible. Alternatively if you would like an assisted search training session, where we will sit down with you and go through the steps of a literature search, then please contact the library. Musgrove staff click here to access literature search form Somerset Partnership staff click here to access literature search form

TRAINING AND ATHENS BACK TO TOP Most electronic resources are available via an Athens password. You can register for this via the Library intranet page, or from home at www.swice.nhs.uk and following the link for Athens selfregistration. Please note that registering from home will take longer as it will need to be verified that you are NHS staff/student on placement. The library offers training on how to access and use Athens resources, as well as an introductory course on critical appraisal. You can book a course through the Learning and Development intranet page, or by contacting the library directly.