Narrative Review of Patient-centred Models and Health Systems Strategies in a Global Context to Advance Post-Stroke Care

Integrating Case Management, Rehabilitation, and Equity for Global Post-Stroke Recovery

Resumo

Strokes require coordinated post-acute care to maximise recovery and quality of life, as they are a major cause of long-term disability worldwide. This narrative review summarises recent research (2019-2024) on patient-centred models of post-stroke care, health system interventions and treatment strategies. The search was done systematically using keywords related to stroke rehabilitation, case management, care pathways and equity across the reference databases PubMed, Scopus, Science Web and Google Scholar. Five major studies were reviewed, representing different contexts, such as Poland, the USA and India. The results demonstrate the value of case management by nurses, integrated care models, culturally appropriate interventions in underprivileged groups and standardised care pathways such as IMPACTUS. Basic ideas of continuity of care, interdisciplinary teamwork and empowerment of patients are becoming universal, despite the differences in the context. The low-resource environment remains a challenge, particularly as regards infrastructure and labour capacity. We propose a hybrid framework combining local adaptability with international best practice. Cost-benefit studies and implementation science in low and middle income countries should be a high priority for future research