Article

The burden of chronic disease worldwide is substantial. Unfortunately, risk
factor control for most chronic diseases remains poor even after diagnoses. This
is a major concern because poor risk factor control often leads to secondary
consequences of the disease and the development of co-existing diseases. Stroke
is a chronic condition that frequently requires the services of rehabilitation
professionals who can also play an important role in risk factor management to
reduce recurrent stroke. Approaches to the management of stroke risk factors in
stroke survivors vary greatly and consequently outcomes vary in a similar
fashion. The current literature suggests that uniform offering of structured risk
factor control programs over time to individuals with chronic disease can improve
knowledge of stroke risk factors, knowledge of action to control risk factors and
in turn facilitate self-management practices that reduce the negative
consequences of chronic diseases. Rehabilitation professionals can play a vital
role in the management and secondary prevention of chronic diseases during the
rehabilitation process via patient education and training. Implications for
Rehabilitation Evidence suggests that risk factor control remains poor in many
individuals with chronic conditions such as stroke. Rehabilitation professionals
can play a key role in programs designed to improve risk factor control in
chronic conditions. Future risk factor control programs can be structured and
implemented over time to include rehabilitation professionals.

Langue : ANGLAIS