Clinical Guideline For Stroke Management Launched

PENANG, July 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for stroke management was launched here Sunday to help reduce the effects of stroke.
Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Ismail Merican said the CPG was timely as the disease was the fourth biggest cause of deaths in the country.
He said the gudelines was not specifically targeted for use by doctors as a reference but also for the people generally to create awareness to prevent the disease.
It offerred treatment options and the best management stretegy for stroke patients, he told reporters after launching the CPG.
"The guideline can save lives because greater awareness on the signs and early symptoms of stroke and the latest information on the best way to treat and manage it is provided," he said.
Dr Ismail said the guideline was important for all medical specialists who treat stroke patients as it can improve the wellbeing of their patients besides being a clear benchmark.
"The CPG can also help professional specialists in giving counselling to patients under their care on the importance of efforts to prevent stroke," he said.
He said the guideline was currently applied by medical specialists voluntarily but if it was made compulsory, it could ensure compliance by medical practitioners in enhancing their management of patients.