Audit of stroke care in a Sri Lankan stroke unit

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: Data on quality of stroke care is limited from Sri Lanka, and available data suggests poor quality of care. We sought to evaluate quality of care in a Sri Lankan tertiary care centre using internationally accepted criteria. METHODS: All patients admitted with acute stroke to the Stroke Unit of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Ragama over a 2-year period (January 2015-December 2016) were prospectively enrolled. Stroke care was evaluated with the Stroke Foundation, Australia Acute Stroke Audit Tool. RESULTS: 156 patients were studied {54.5% males; mean age (SD) 59 years (9.3); 83.3% ischaemic stroke}. 92.3% were living with spouse/ family. Private transport was the mode of arrival in 87.8%. CT scanning was done in 92.2%. None of the patients received thrombolysis. 39.7% were functionally independent (mRS 0–2) at 7–10 days. 71.6% were discharged on anti-hypertensive. Of those with ischemic stroke, 88.2% received anti-platelets and 95.5% statins. Swallowing screening was done in 92.5%, and for mal swallowing assessment by a speech therapist in 52.6%. Assessment by a physiotherapist was done in 96.7%, occupational therapist in 85.8%, mental health specialist in 96.8%, and communication assessment by a speech therapist in 76.6%. Multi-disciplinary team met with care-givers in 83.1%. Care-giver needs assessment was done in 96.1%, and 90.3% of care-givers received training in home care.52.6% were discharged home with rehabilitation support, and 32.1% were transferred for in-patient rehabilitation. All patients/care-givers received education before dis charge, 96.1% received a community care plan, and 93.5% were given a discharge summary. CONCLUSION: Quality of acute stroke care was satisfactory in almost all the domains studied. Care related to neuro-imaging, secondary preventive treatments, multi-disciplinary team assessment, provision of early rehabilitation services, patient education, care giver support and discharge planning was especially good. Stroke care of good quality is feasible even in resource-limited settings.