The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released an expansion of the Stroke Clinical Care Standard, with new guidance aimed to support people recovering from stroke after they leave hospital.
For 46,000 people likely to have a stroke in Australia this year, the updated national standard outlines steps to equip them to rebuild their lives and regain independence when they return home.
If a person survives a stroke, it can be a shock to them and their families just how much ongoing support they need following hospital discharge, with some changes lifelong. It’s why getting the right help can make all the difference.
The first update of the Standard since 2019 recognises care needs beyond hospital, adding a stronger focus on rehabilitation, individualised care planning and follow-up. The Standard was initially published in 2015 to improve the likelihood of survival and recovery, while reducing risk of another stroke.
Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia. About 440,000 people live with the effects of stroke, while almost 8,000 people die from stroke each year.
Medical Advisor for the Commission and general practitioner, Dr Lee Fong, described stroke as having a ‘long tail’, since its impacts can be long-lasting and affect a person’s ability to carry out usual activities like work, study or caring responsibilities. Sometimes these changes become more obvious after the person leaves hospital.
Stroke can affect a person’s mobility, psychological health, social wellbeing and their care needs. Lifetime costs associated with stroke are estimated to be $350,000 per person.
“Over the past decade, there have been great strides in time-critical care for stroke patients in the crucial minutes and hours immediately after a stroke, with better treatments and more rapid coordinated acute care,” Dr Fong said.
“Despite this progress, many of the after-effects of stroke are hidden, and are felt deeply by patients who experience a stroke, as well as their partners, children and carers. What we are recognising is that rehabilitation is also time-critical – and for most patients, the earlier the better.”
Dr Fong said while patients often receive high-quality care in hospital, the transition out of hospital is critical to maximise a person’s recovery.
“The 2026 Standard emphasises that stroke rehabilitation should start in hospital, with expert therapy and planning to continue care at home or in a rehabilitation hospital. People may need help with speech, memory, energy, mental health, eating and drinking, as well as movement. Access to timely rehabilitation, care planning and support makes a huge difference.
“While going home after stroke can be overwhelming, the right healthcare team can support and guide patients on their journey,” Dr Fong said.
Neurologist Professor Tim Kleinig, the Stroke Network lead for SA Health and a strong advocate for delivering time-critical stroke treatments faster, to all Australians regardless of postcode, said it had been fantastic to see the Clinical Care Standard drive improvements in stroke care, with faster times to lifesaving treatment, including time-critical clot-busting therapy, even in rural areas where distance is a challenge.
“Telestroke in regional hospitals is helping people get diagnosed and treated quickly, with telehealth access to specialist stroke neurologists. The updated Standard further emphasises both access and speed to treatment, including faster transfer times from regional areas. Telestroke is an important backbone to achieve this in many regional areas.
“Despite improvements in treatment, follow-up care after stroke is patchy across Australia,” he added.
“The updated Standard will drive improvements in stroke follow-up. We want people to avoid having another stroke, as well as complications and disability after stroke.”
Access the updated Stroke Clinical Care Standard here
