Validity and reliability of Swansea Stroke Scale for stroke survivors
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Validity and reliability of Swansea Stroke Scale (SSS) for bedside assessment of stroke survivors by non-specialist staff in an acute stroke unit- a prospective observational cohort study
IRAS ID
353791
Contact name
Manju Krishnan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea Bay University Health Board R&D department
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The study is developing a new bedside stroke assessment scale called the Swansea Stroke Scale (SSS) that can be adopted by anyone caring for a stroke survivor. This is an observational study conducted in Stroke unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board. The study aims to assess the validity and reliability of SSS by applying this assessment scale on new stroke admissions to the stroke unit. The test will be undertaken after routine clinical examination, which is standard of care. The pilot study conducted revealed time taken for completion of the SSS score was less than 5 minutes per assessment and it can be completed after routine clinical assessment at bed side. It will be undertaken by ward staff including Registered Nurses, Healthcare support workers, Physician Associates and Resident doctors below the specialist training grade. They are classed as non-specialists for the purpose of the study, since this staff group does not undergo specialist training required to use other complex neurological scales that are currently available. This staff group are involved in providing the day to day care to stroke survivors on the stroke unit.
The stroke scales that are currently in use are either non-specific to stroke related deficits or are to be adopted by someone with specialist training. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) which is used by specialist as standard of care, requires the assessor to take training and be certified for its use. This is beyond the competency of the staff group involved in day to day care. Hence the need for a new stroke scale that is simple, easy to understand and use which could help this staff group to identify a change in clinical situation without a delay.REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
25/WA/0079
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion