Introduction: Whilst young stroke incidence is increasing, limited specialised services exist for young people. Needs of young people after stroke are different to older people, due to their stage of life and responsibilities. Most young people with stroke report ongoing unmet needs, and half have cognitive or communication impairments.
The Young Stroke Service (YSS) pilot program tailors support for patients, including those with communication support needs, by linking to existing services and filling gaps in services available.
Methods: A translational mixed-methods approach underpins the YSS project. The YSS and supporting resources have been co-designed and produced by working parties inclusive of people with lived experience, based on communication accessibility guidelines and best available evidence.
Two clinical sites have been established in Victoria and South Australia, and bespoke YSS services for Neuropsychological Assessment, Neuropsychological Intervention (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – Adapted for Brain Injury, and Memory groups), Vocational Rehabilitation and Driving Assessment.
Results: As of May 2024, 128 patients have registered into YSS (median age 44, female 49%, median time since stroke 2 years (IQR 78 to 372 days)). Patients have reported return to work/study, memory/thinking, and fatigue as their top three unmet needs. Most frequent referrals within YSS have been vocational rehabilitation, neurology review, and neuropsychology assessment and intervention.
Early feedback indicates that patients feel supported by YSS and value access to services previously unavailable.
Conclusion: YSS fills gaps in services for young people with stroke. Our bold vision is to extend nationally to support all young Australians with stroke.
Relevance to clinical practice or patient experience: