Maximising the quality of stroke care in Ireland – Development of a National Stroke Audit

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. In recent years, improvements in stroke treatment have led to more people surviving stroke and to lower levels of disability. However, outcomes for stroke patients vary depending on the quality of care received. This indicates a need for a National Stroke Audit, involving regular monitoring of the quality of stroke care and patient outcomes in the short and longer term after stroke. In 2019, the Irish National Stroke Register was moved to the National Office of Clinical Audit (NOCA), with the aim of developing it into a National Stroke Audit. This follows examples of similar stroke audits internationally.

The aim of this research is to develop a minimum set of questions (dataset) to be asked as part of the National Stroke Audit. We will review current international practice and recommended standards for stroke audit, to ensure that the dataset meets best practice standards, and can be compared internationally. We will engage with local stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and stroke survivors, through interviews and focus groups, to ensure the dataset fits with local priorities. The dataset will cover the stroke patient journey, from acute hospital, to rehabilitation, to community care. It will include data on care quality and on outcomes, including patient-reported outcomes. A data collection plan for the audit will also be produced.

The research group will work closely at all times with the audit Governance Committee, made up of relevant stakeholders.

Award Date

27 March 2020

Award Value

€239,998.00

Principal Investigator

Professor Anne Hickey

Host Institution

RCSI

Scheme

APA Cycle 2 2019