A six-month review is a conversation between you and a health professional or stroke key worker about how you are managing after your stroke. It is also known as a post-stroke review.
You can discuss any progress you have made since you had a stroke. You can also look at any unmet needs you have and anything you want to achieve. You can find out where to get support if you need it.
Who should get a six-month review?
Everyone who has had a stroke should be offered a review about six months after their stroke. But it might take place anytime between four months and eight months after a stroke.
You do not have to have a review at that time if you do not want one. But it can be a good chance to talk about things which are important to you and get support and information.
You can ask for your needs to be looked at again in the future if they change or you need more help.
Who carries out the review?
A health professional or key worker with knowledge of stroke should carry out your review.
This could be a nurse, a member of a community stroke team, a therapist or someone from the voluntary sector, such as a Stroke Association coordinator. It depends on where you live.
You might be offered a review in your home or at a healthcare setting. You might have a review over a phone call or video call instead. You can have a relative, friend or carer with you if you want.
Tell your health professional ahead of the review if you need any support, such as with communication. Your speech and language therapist could suggest things that might help you with the conversation, such as using pictures.
What things might my review include?
Your health professional will ask some questions about your health and how you are getting on. They will talk through your progress. They will also ask if there is anything you need more help with. Your needs may have changed since you had your stroke.
You can cover anything important to you and any worries you have. This could include your health conditions, your medication or any effects of stroke you find harder to manage.
The review is not just about your medical needs. It is also a chance to look at what you have achieved so far and to focus on your goals.
You can discuss any part of your life affected by your stroke that you may want more help with.
This might include:
- Your mood and emotional wellbeing.
- Sleep problems and fatigue.
- Your relationships with your loved ones.
- Your home environment and daily activities.
- Your care needs and your carer’s needs.
- Money, benefits and work.
- Driving and getting around.
- Hobbies, interests and meeting others.
If you need help with anything, your health professional can provide information and tell you what support is available in your area. They might refer you to other services that can help you. This could include NHS services, social services or services run by charities or volunteers.
You should also be given information and advice on keeping well and reducing your risk of another stroke. This could include managing your health conditions and making healthy lifestyle changes.
You may have your blood pressure and pulse checked at the review. This is to check for any undiagnosed high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat.) These conditions can increase your risk of stroke. Your health professional can tell you how to get treatment if you need it.
If your review takes place over a phone or video call, you should be told where you can get these health checks.
How can I get the most out of my review?
Before the review, think about what is important to you. Think about anything you find hard that you want more help with. If you can, make notes to help you remember what you want to say.It might be useful to bring a list of your medications.
You can ask questions about anything you do not understand. This could be about the type of stroke you had or how to reduce your risk of another stroke. You may want to know who can help with a problem or worry.
If you bring a relative or carer to the review, they can also ask questions. This includes about things they need help with. They could help you if you have problems speaking, understanding or remembering things.
A review usually takes at least 30 minutes but it could take longer, depending on your needs. Tell your health professional if you get tired or need help with anything.
You may be sent a written summary of your review afterwards. A copy can also be sent to your GP.
What should I do if I am not offered a review?
We know in some areas, six-month reviews are not always offered to everyone who should get one. If you have not been offered a review by about eight months after your stroke and would like one, contact your GP or stroke nurse, to see if they are currently provided in your local area.