Stroke Medicine in Focus: Why the study of Stroke Medicine is vital for Healthcare Professionals
Published: January 30, 2024Stroke strikes every five minutes; 100,000 people have strokes each year and there are 1.3 million stroke survivors in the UK. (https://www.stroke.org.uk)
The proportion of patients accessing timely specialist stroke care continues to decline (https://www.hqip.org.uk): 40.2% patients were directly admitted to a stroke unit within 4 hours in 2022/23 compared to 44.4% in 2021/22, and 72.9% patients spent at least 90% of their stay on a stroke unit in 2022/23 compared to 76.5% in 2021/22. These figures compare to 54.9% and 83.2% respectively for 2019/20, showing there is an increasing need for specialists in stroke medicine.
Stroke medicine involves multi-disciplinary groups of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, radiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and specialist nurses, working together to provide comprehensive care to patients.
Key aspects of stroke medicine include rapid assessment and intervention to minimise brain damage, long-term management to prevent recurrence, and rehabilitative services to maximise recovery and independence for stroke survivors.
The field also emphasises the importance of research and education in understanding stroke mechanisms, risk factors, and developing new treatments. Stroke medicine continues to evolve with ongoing research and technological advancements, aiming to improve outcomes for those affected by this serious medical condition. Advances in medical imaging play a critical role in the accurate diagnosis of strokes, allowing for more targeted and effective treatments. Public health initiatives focus on educating the public about stroke symptoms and the importance of timely medical attention, which can be crucial in reducing the severity of a stroke.
Our Postgraduate Courses
Our Postgraduate Diploma and MSc courses in Stroke Medicine focus on educating healthcare professionals to create a new generation of Stroke Medicine Specialists and are the perfect way to grow and enhance your expertise in stroke management.
The courses are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the busy schedules of healthcare professionals. Being part-time and entirely online, they allow students to engage with the content at their own pace and convenience. This flexibility ensures that professionals can balance their ongoing work commitments with their educational pursuits. The courses cater to a diverse range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, and other professionals working in relevant clinical settings globally.
The curriculum of our Stroke Medicine Postgraduate Diploma and MSc courses is comprehensive and expert-led, designed to maximise stroke education for healthcare professionals. The PGDip in Stroke Medicine, includes modules covering the definition, diagnosis, and epidemiology of stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), risk factors and prevention, management strategies, hyperacute and acute diagnosis, and more. Similarly, the MSc in Stroke Medicine course builds upon these foundations, adding a focus on critical appraisal and research methodologies, culminating in a professional project. This depth and breadth of content ensure that students gain a thorough understanding of stroke medicine, which is crucial for enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Completion of these stroke medicine courses could potentially lead to career advancement. Graduates gain university-validated postgraduate qualifications, which can bolster their professional standing. Notably, a significant portion of alumni reported salary increases post-completion of our courses, highlighting their potential for career progression.
Skills and Knowledge obtained from our Stroke Medicine courses
Combatting a Major Health Concern: Stroke is a top cause of death and disability globally. Specialised knowledge in this field empowers medical professionals to improve patient outcomes and reduce the impact of stroke.
Keeping Up with Medical Advances: The field of stroke medicine is rapidly changing. These courses keep practitioners updated on the newest research, treatments, and management techniques.
Comprehensive Understanding: The courses cover prevention, acute management, and rehabilitation in stroke medicine, providing a thorough understanding necessary for effective patient care.
Flexibility and Practical Application: These online courses offer the flexibility to learn while working, integrating new knowledge into professional practice.
Medical Career Growth: Earning a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Stroke Medicine not only boosts knowledge and skills but also enhances career prospects and specialisation opportunities in healthcare.
Apply Now
Apply now to become a specialist in Stroke Medicine. Enrol on our online, part-time Stroke Medicine postgraduate diploma or MSc, and start the next phase of your career today.