Frailty & INEquality in STroke (FINE-ST)

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Frailty, Inequality and Comorbidity: a cohort study in TIA and Stroke

  • IRAS ID

    273619

  • Contact name

    Tim England

  • Contact email

    timothy.england@nottingham.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Nottingham

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    2 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Stroke is the commonest cause of neurological disability and death in the UK (>100,000 per year). The majority of strokes occur in the older generation (58% aged >70), whilst over one third (38%) occur in middle-aged adults.
    Risk of TIA and stroke are increased in the older population, both age and frailty negatively impacting on outcomes. However, the influence of frailty on stroke outcomes (including physical function and cognition) is not well understood.

    Second, the association between death from cardiovascular disease (including stroke) and health inequality is also stark with greater inequality associated with worse outcomes from heart attacks and strokes. It is therefore important to understand how diversity and inequality across the region relate specifically to mini-strokes (transient ischaemic attack, TIA) and strokes.

    We therefore plan to identify patients assessed through the rapid access TIA clinics and stroke units in the East Midlands with the aim to explore the relationships between frailty, co-morbidity, health inequality and clinical outcomes. This information will help inform future trial design in the frail elderly population with stroke and enable us to tailor more appropriate, potentially cost saving approaches to treatment.

    The study simply collects information through administration of a questionnaire at two time points (baseline and 90 days later) in two groups (within 6 weeks of the TIA/stroke; and >6 weeks of the TIA/stroke). The questionnaire at baseline is administered either face-to-face whilst in hospital, or sent via the post if the participant is at home. The questions asked 90 days later will be performed over the telephone.

  • REC name

    Wales REC 1

  • REC reference

    20/WA/0039

  • Date of REC Opinion

    18 Mar 2020

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion