Nurse ratio at weekends key to stroke survival for patients

Source: BBC News 19^th August 2014

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Date of publication: August 2014

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: The number of nurses available at weekends – but not the frequency of doctors’ ward rounds – affects chances of survival after stroke, a study says. Researchers found patients admitted to stroke units with the lowest ratio of nurses were most likely to die in the month after a stroke.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes:  The abstract of the original article on which these comments are based can be viewed here.

How to implement best practice in stroke and TIA imaging

Source: Synergy News

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Date of publication: November 2011

Publication type: Article

In a nutshell: This article considers the three Accelerated Stroke Improvement (ASI) measures that relate directly to radiology and looks at examples of best practice introduced by Trusts across England to meet these targets.

Length of publication: 3 pages

Simulating the impact of change: implementing best practice in stroke care

Source: London Journal of Primary Care March 2011

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Date of publication: March 2011

Publication type: Journal Article

In a nutshell: This article presents the experience of healthcare decision-makers who used simulation to better understand the impact of adopting best practice in stroke care, as outlined in the National Stroke Strategy. It describes the process of developing a simulation model and how stakeholders were involved in testing the key questions, which they needed to answer in order to adopt a new commissioning strategy for stroke care.

Length of publication: 6 page article

Atrial fibrillation – detection and optimal therapy in primary care

Source: NHS Evidence Quality and Productivity

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Best practice

In a nutshell: Each year there are 16,000 strokes in patients who have atrial fibrillation. Warfarin reduces the risk of stroke by 50-70%, but an estimated 46% of patients who would benefit from anticoagulants are not receiving them. This case study outlines details of savings which have been made to NHS Trusts by identifying patients with atrial fibrillation and preventing stroke.

Length of publication: 7 pages

Some important notes: The case study is based on a project run by the NHS Stroke Improvement Programme.

Stroke pathway – delivering through improvement

Source: NHS Evidence – Quality and Productivity

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Date of publication: November 2009

Publication type: Best practice

In a nutshell: This case study describes how Chief Executives and senior leadership were supported to champion change and improvement in all areas of the stroke pathway. Improvements in quality included reductions in mortality, time spent in A&E and delays in CT scanning. Improvements in productivity included reductions in length of stay and readmissions.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: Case study provided by NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement.

Young Stroke Volunteers

Source: The Guardian 16th September 2009

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Date of publication: September 2009

Publication type: News Item

In a nutshell: This article outlines the impact which a group of young volunteers had on Speechmakers, a long-term care group for stroke sufferers.

Some Important Notes: CSV (community service volunteers) website

Length of publication: 1 page new item

Acknowledgement: Fade Library Blog