Abstract
Introduction: Modifiable risk factors are an important part of secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke. Many of these are modifiable lifestyle choices. We identified a lack of provision of written information to patients on the stroke ward regarding modifiable lifestyle risk factors, and undertook a quality improvement project which aimed to improve provision of information - both written and verbal - via a "Stroke Passport" document to help patient understanding.
Method: Data was collected from inpatients admitted with ischaemic stroke in the stroke ward in Prince Charles Hospital (District General Hospital), Merthyr Tydfil. A self-rated questionnaire was used to collect data on patients' perceived understanding about risk factors, and the quality of verbal and written information received during their admission pre and post introduction of a “stroke passport” document, containing written information on modifiable risk factors for stroke. Patients with delirium or unable to understand were excluded. Patients were verbally consented and helped with understanding the questionnaire by a stroke specialist nurse.
Results: Baseline data was collected from 21 patients. After introduction of the “Stroke Passport” document, data was collected from 21 different patients. Patients' perceived knowledge improved from 67% to 95% following the introduction of the stroke passport, patients’ perception of receiving verbal information from staff went from 62% to 95% and patients' perception of receiving written information increased from 0% to 100%.
Conclusion: This quality improvement project demonstrated improvements in patients’ perceived knowledge of modifiable risk factors, and in perceived quality of patient education. We suggest that a “stroke passport” document to help guide patients through their stroke journey is of benefit to patient's understanding of risk factors, and standardising the provision of written patient information. Further cycles aim to improve the educational quality of the material by assessing improvement in patient knowledge.