Stroke and transient ischaemic attack

This factsheet covers stroke and its causes and risk factors. It goes on to discuss management options and signpost to patient resources.

This NICE CKS defines both stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and explores the available management options.

An online training course supporting pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainees to develop knowledge and skills in cardiovascular therapeutics. You'll be enabled to provide person-centred care to people living with or at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It is designed for pharmacy professionals working in all areas of practice.

To facilitate your learning, we have structured the course into seven units. Some units are larger than others, but we estimate that you will need to commit an average of three hours of learning for each unit.

• Unit 1 – Introduction to cardiovascular therapeutics
• Unit 2 – Atrial fibrillation
• Unit 3 – Blood pressure
• Unit 4 – Cholesterol
• Unit 5 – Stable angina
• Unit 6 – Acute coronary syndrome
• Unit 7 – Heart failure

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme, you should be able to:

• describe the anatomy and function of the cardiovascular system
• explain the changes to cardiovascular system anatomy and function occurring in common cardiovascular conditions
• identify opportunities to develop your role and professional networks to deliver holistic and seamless care for people living with or at higher risk of cardiovascular disease
• apply your knowledge of medicines and cardiovascular guidelines to support evidence-based decisions and medicines optimisation for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease
• demonstrate a shared decision making approach to the care of people living with or at higher risk of cardiovascular disease
• create a personal action plan that describes the actions you will take to support people living with or at higher risk of cardiovascular disease

An online training course for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and trainees to build the knowledge, skills and confidence in delivering person-centred care for people living with neurological conditions. It is designed for pharmacy professionals working in all areas of practice.

The introductory unit is followed by six units which each cover a specific area of neurology. Each works as a standalone piece of learning. 

• Unit 1 – Migraine
• Unit 2 – Epilepsy
• Unit 3 – Stroke
• Unit 4 – Acquired brain injury
• Unit 5 – Myasthenia gravis
• Unit 6 – Motor neurone disease

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

• describe the pathophysiology of neurological conditions and the common symptoms experienced by people living with these conditions
• discuss the principles of treatment for neurological conditions and the medicines available
• give examples of ways that you can support the safe and effective transfer of care for people with neurological conditions
• apply evidence-based guidance to support clinical decision making when supporting people living with neurological conditions
• support people living with neurological conditions to make shared decisions about their medicines to improve their outcomes
• take a holistic approach to support people living with neurological conditions, signposting to local and national resources and involving the multidisciplinary team as appropriate
• adapt your consultation style to support people with neurological conditions who have communication challenges, using a person-centred approach
• use your learning journal to develop a personal action plan, outlining steps you will take to help people manage their neurological condition.

This e-assessment is linked with the CPPE Fundamentals of cardiovascular therapeutics e-course programme, and assesses you on the learning outcomes in that programme. 

Why should I do this assessment?

This e-assessment completes the learning you began with the CPPE Fundamentals of cardiovascular therapeutics e-course. Access and successful completion will contribute to your own personal development plan, be recorded in your My CPPE record and will enable you to complete a CPD entry on the learning. It may also provide evidence for achieving competencies in the different competency frameworks that apply across your career. If you are working towards completing a Declaration of Competence for a pharmacy service, successful completion of this assessment will provide evidence of your learning.

This e-learning programme outlines the risk factors of stroke, pharmacological management of acute stroke, and secondary prevention. It equips learners to provide a comprehensive service to stroke patients, and to patients who may be at risk of stroke. This e-learning explores hyperlipidaemia as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke.

This small-group learning course is designed for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and trainee pharmacists. It aims to build knowledge, skills, and confidence in supporting people with atrial fibrillation to reduce their stroke risk. The learning focuses on optimising the use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and emphasises the importance of a shared decision-making approach in patient care.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of all aspects of this learning programme you should be able to:

• demonstrate a person-centred approach to support people living with AF to make informed decisions about their oral anticoagulation therapy
• evaluate the risks and benefits of direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to optimise anticoagulation therapy for people living with AF.

Stroke Association has a dedicated area of their website where you can find resources, events and information aimed at professionals providing care and support to those affected, or at risk of stroke.

This guideline covers interventions in the acute stage of a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). It offers the best clinical advice on the diagnosis and acute management of stroke and TIA in the 48 hours after onset of symptoms.

This guideline covers rehabilitation after stroke for over 16s. It aims to ensure people are assessed for common problems and conditions linked to stroke, and get the care and therapy they need. It includes recommendations on the organisation and delivery of rehabilitation in hospital and the community.

Dysphagia or swallowing disorder is a potential complication of stroke. This fact sheet explores what is meant by dysphagia and management options.

Evidence-based recommendations on CYP2C19 genotype testing to guide clopidogrel use after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.