Regional differences in the care and outcomes of acute stroke patients in Australia: An observational study using evidence from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR)

Abstract

Objective To compare the processes and outcomes of care in patients who had a stroke treated in urban versus rural hospitals in Australia. Design Observational study using data from a multicentre national registry. Setting Data from 50 acute care hospitals in Australia (25 urban, 25 rural) which participated in the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry during the period 2010-2015. Participants Patients were divided into two groups (urban, rural) according to the Australian Standard Geographical Classification Remoteness Area classification. Data pertaining to 28 115 patients who had a stroke were analysed, of whom 8159 (29%) were admitted to hospitals located within rural areas. Primary and se..