Systematic review of process indicators: including early rehabilitation interventions used to measure quality of acute stroke care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a leading cause of disease burden. The quality of care provided in hospitals can affect outcome. Therefore, examining adherence to clinically important processes of care can help improve care delivery and patient outcomes. However, knowing which process indicators to measure is essential. AIM: Systematically review process indicators used to evaluate acute stroke services, including early rehabilitation interventions, and assess whether published indicators conform to clinical guidelines. METHODS: Publications (1985-2006) were identified by systematically searching databases (e.g. Medline and Cochrane Library), and the internet using free text terms: 'stroke unit', 'pro..