Table 2

Summarization of the recommendations and next actions for the TOOLS intervention

Enhance provider practices in secondary stroke risk factor management

Address the needs to support providers in secondary stroke risk factor management

Implement advice from providers to enhance secondary stroke risk factor management throughout the continuum of care

Educate all types of providers regarding stroke warning signs, stroke risk factors, and stroke risk factor management

Tailor the self-management aspect of the TOOLS intervention to each veteran using self-management concepts

Address secondary stroke prevention prior to discharge - we are providing this through training of all providers

Teach rehabilitation therapists to include a stroke risk factor management goal for every patient with stroke or TIA

Develop and issue rehabilitation specific information handouts and pamphlets for addressing stroke risk factors

Send pamphlets and information home with each patient - we are addressing this through nursing discharge

Incorporate (through nursing) secondary stroke risk factor management information and training into the discharge process for every patient with stroke or TIA

Develop and issue a self-management prescription pad for risk factors - this will provide information for clinics, etc

Need to establish a gatekeeper (or champion) at each facility, we feel that this person may be found in rehabilitation due to the relationships that are often built

Develop a discharge template

Initiate peer to peer programming and facility stroke support groups

Schmid et al. Implementation Science 2010 5:97   doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-97