TIA Rapid Insights Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Virtual clinics for managing transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke- a qualitative views study to understand patient, carer and healthcare professional preferences and experiences, to inform a model for post pandemic working.
IRAS ID
318791
Contact name
Catherine Pope
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 31 days
Research summary
People who have had a Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) or minor stroke are nearly 10 times more likely to have a full stroke than those who have not with 20% of post-TIA strokes happening within a month. Swift and effective intervention following a TIA is therefore of high importance. Prevalence, access and outcomes differ by population group, with a strong link to socio-economic deprivation.
To support stroke services in the pandemic guidance was developed on managing TIAs through virtual clinics, instead of the usual face-to-face clinics. The clinical pathway could be completed virtually, with patients only attending hospital for essential investigations but models of care that rely on digital capability and access may exacerbate existing health inequalities.
Some services have reverted to pre-pandemic models of care, whilst others have retained all or some virtual care provision. The proposed analysis of the virtual/hybrid services across the South East of England, will provide knowledge of good practice and quality improvement opportunities.
This study is being delivered by a diverse research team including patients with lived experience to identify patients’, carers’ and health care professionals’ views and experiences of TIA care pathways. To inform recommendations on appropriateness of a virtual, face-to-face or hybrid models for different patient groups and clinical settings. This will be achieved through telephone interviews.The outcomes of this work will provide evidence on whether the virtual TIA services are equitable and sustainable, taking into account whether the use of available resources results in achieving better outcomes and experiences for patients.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0289
Date of REC Opinion
5 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion