Improving Primary Care After Stroke: A randomised controlled trial
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving Primary Care After Stroke (IPCAS): A randomised controlled trial to evaluate a new model of care for stroke survivors living in the community.
IRAS ID
233891
Contact name
Jonathan Mant
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Cambridge
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, days
Research summary
Background: No formal primary care based model of care exists to support stroke survivors living in the community. A large variation in the range, quality and access to health services offered to stroke survivors between and within clinical commissioning groups suggests that many of the stroke survivors’ needs are not being met systematically. Therefore, to address the longer term needs we have developed a multi-factorial primary care model that seeks to enable greater engagement with stroke care and community services, to link effectively to specialist services, and to improve the lives of stroke survivors. Specifically, the intervention will comprise the following components: 1) a structured review of patient needs; 2) a self-management programme (MLAS) for stroke survivors and their carers; 3) a direct point of contact for stroke survivors and carers at the GP surgery; 4) enhanced communication pathways between General Practice staff and specialist services; 5) service mapping for stroke related needs; and 6) training for General Practice staff.
Aim: To determine whether the novel model of primary care provides better long-term care for stroke survivors living in the community than current clinical practice. We will consider both clinical and cost outcomes.
Method: The IPCAS Trial is a two-arm randomised controlled trial. General practices will be randomised to deliver either the new model of care, or usual clinical care. People with a history of stroke registered with GP practices in the East of England and the East Midlands will be invited to take part. We will aim to recruit 920 people from approximately 46 general practices.
Analysis: The primary outcome for the trial will be measured using two sub-scales (emotion and handicap) of the Stroke Impact Scale questionnaire at 12 months.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/YH/0441
Date of REC Opinion
19 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion