BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES: Stroke knowledge, awareness of risk factors and stroke warning symptoms is very poor among stroke survivors. We investigated whether a pre-discharge education intervention in the stroke unit could improve stroke knowledge in patients with TIA or minor stroke. METHODS: We performed a prospective single-center, randomized controlled trial (2013 to 2016) in patients with TIA or minor stroke. The intervention consisted in an interactive group session focused on stroke education, within the stroke unit before hospital discharge. Primary outcome was the 3-month change in stroke knowledge score (SKS) from randomization. Secondary outcomes were the 12-month change in SKS, the number of risk factors and warning signs named, control of risk factors and self-reported adherence. RESULTS: A total of 199 patients (mean (SD) age, 63.5 (12.4) years; 67 (33.7%) women) were randomized (99 in stroke education session). Intervention was associated with a greater improvement in SKS than in the control group (baseline-adjusted mean between-group difference, 1.6 point (95%CI 1.4 to 1.9); p = 0.001). This difference was significantly maintained at 12 months. The number of risk factors and warning signs named were significantly increased in the intervention group at 3 months. Control of risk factors and self-reported adherence did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: An interactive education session in the stroke unit significantly improved stroke knowledge at 3 months and 12 months in patients with TIA or minor stroke.
Copyright by WB Saunders Company.

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