A set of care quality indicators for stroke management

Neurologia (Engl Ed). 2019 Oct;34(8):497-502. doi: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.04.003. Epub 2017 Jun 23.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Objective: This study proposes a set of quality indicators for care outcomes in patients with acute cerebral infarction. These indicators are understandable and relevant from a clinical viewpoint, as well as being acceptable and feasible in terms of time required, ease of data capture, and interpretability.

Method: The method consisted of reaching consensus among doctors after having reviewed the literature on quality indicators in stroke. We then designed and conducted a field study to assess the understandability and feasibility of the set of indicators.

Results: Consensus yielded 8 structural indicators, 5 process indicators, and 12 result indicators. Additionally, standards of reference were established for each indicator.

Conclusion: This set of indicators can be used to monitor the quality care for stroke patients, identify strengths, and potentially to identify areas needing improvement.

Keywords: Atención centrada en el paciente; Atención urgente; Calidad asistencial; Care quality; Consenso; Consensus; Emergencies; Ictus; Indicadores de calidad; Patient-centred care; Quality indicators; Stroke.

MeSH terms

  • Consensus Development Conferences as Topic
  • Humans
  • Quality Indicators, Health Care*
  • Stroke / therapy*