Stroke has been described as an “earthquake in the brain” with the shockwaves leaving a deep impact on how people move, communicate, feel or understand their world (1). The top indicators for quality stroke care include admission to a stroke unit, swallow screen, brain imaging, aspirin administration and prevention of complications. The practicalities of implementation bring many challenges.
National audit results demonstrated although patients were having rapid access to our Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) there was variability in compliance with swallow screen, brain imaging, and aspirin administration. Although clinical indicators provide a baseline to measure compliance, it is equally important that care is individualised to meet the needs of the patient and not to tick a box to fulfil a standard. With this in mind a focus on the whole person was used including staff involvement and feedback.
