Abstract
Since late 2006, we have managed a local medical network, or referral system, for stroke and high-risk patients in Shizuoka City. Six general hospitals, which treat 88% of all emergency patients in the area, four rehabilitation facilities, and approximately 220 practitioners have joined the network.
The Shizuoka Stroke Network consists of two connected networks: firstly, a network for patients who develop stroke; and secondly, a network for high-risk patients. The former intends to realize smooth referral of stroke patients to rehabilitation facilities, and then to practitioners. The later is for repeated, scheduled referrals of high-risk patients to general hospitals from practitioners. At present, 1626 patients (1021 for the stroke patient network and 605 for the high-risk patient network) are registered to this network.
The Shizuoka Stroke Network has contributed to swift referral of patients among different medical facilities. It has also fermented a sense of security among ailing stroke patients. Meanwhile, increased clerical paper work related to the network is a burden to doctors and office workers.
To complete this comprehensive stroke network in the Shizuoka area, further cooperation with emergency medical services and chronic care facilities is required.
