Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Medication Usage During Stroke Rehabilitation: The Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP)

Secondary prevention of strokes is an important issue during the admission to the inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). There are many clinical practice guidelines with strong levels of evidence that address the secondary prophylaxis of strokes. The Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Outcomes Project (PSROP) database was used to describe the frequency that antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications are prescribed for the secondary prophylaxis of a stroke. Of the 1,161 participants in the PSROP, 890 (76.66%) had nonhemorrhagic strokes. Of the participants with nonhemorrhagic strokes, 169 (18.99%) did not receive any antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication. Of 717 participants who did not have an embolic event, 140 (19.5%) did not receive a salicylate, antiplatelet agent, or warfarin. Of 173 participants who had an embolic event, 29 (16.8%) did not receive a salicylate, antiplatelet agent, or warfarin. Unless patients have any medical contraindications to these medications, they should receive these evidence-based treatments for secondary stroke prophylaxis. As more stroke survivors receive antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, it is more likely that the incidence of recurrent strokes will decrease.