Journal article
Evaluation of rural stroke services does implementation of coordinators and pathways improve care in rural hospitals?
DA Cadilhac, T Purvis, MF Kilkenny, M Longworth, K Mohr, M Pollack, CR Levi
Stroke | Published : 2013
Abstract
Background and Purpose-The quality of hospital care for stroke varies, particularly in rural areas. In 2007, funding to improve stroke care became available as part of the Rural Stroke Project (RSP) in New South Wales (Australia). The RSP included the employment of clinical coordinators to establish stroke units or pathways and protocols, and more clinical staff. We aimed to describe the effectiveness of RSP in improving stroke care and patient outcomes. Methods-A historical control cohort design was used. Clinical practice and outcomes at 8 hospitals were compared using 2 medical record reviews of 100 consecutive ischemic or intracerebral hemorrhage patients ≥12 months before RSP and 3 to 6..
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Awarded by National Heart Foundation
Funding Acknowledgements
The Rural Stroke Project evaluation was funded by New South Wales Health, on behalf of Stroke Services New South Wales, now represented by the New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation. Evaluation work conducted for phase I of the Rural Stroke Project was supported by the New South Wales Institute of Rural Clinical Services and Teaching. Associate Professor Cadilhac is the recipient of a co-funded National Health and Medical Research Council and National Heart Foundation Fellowship grant (601313).