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Professor Joseph Harbison, Clinical Lead of the Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) launched the Irish National Audit of Stroke National Report 2022 at a virtual meeting.
This is the fourth INAS national report, and the tenth year of capturing stroke data in Ireland. This report provides data on 90% of all stroke activity in 2022, accounting for 4,999 patients in 21 hospitals. Stroke remains the second leading cause of death in middle- to higher-income countries, and it stands as the leading cause of acquired adult neurological disability in Ireland. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 7.1% increase in stroke admissions, followed by a 3.0% increase in 2022. A key highlight from the audit showed that half of all patients arrived at hospital within 3 hours of symptom onset, 28 minutes faster than 2021.
The notable reduction in the time it takes for stroke patients to arrive at hospitals is a pivotal achievement outlined in the INAS National Report 2022. This improvement signifies a crucial step forward in stroke care. Equally promising is the increase in the number of patients arriving within the critical three-hour window, a key predictor of positive outcomes. Early intervention is paramount in stroke management, and these findings underscore the strides we are making to enhance patient outcomes through timely and effective treatment.
Professor Joseph Harbison, Clinical Lead, Irish National Audit of Stroke
Key Findings
There has been no significant change in the demographic profile of stroke patients; 57% male (average age 70) and 43% female (average age 75).
47% of patients with a stroke were seen by a medical team within 10 minutes of hospital arrival.
50% of patients received a brain scan within 1 hour of hospital arrival.
The number of admissions to a stroke unit remains unchanged at 69%, and of those admissions, 68% of the total hospital stay was spent in a stroke unit. Both key performance indicators remain well below the national target of 90%.
89% of patients with a stroke were assessed by a health and social care professional.
The prevalence of known atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients admitted with stroke was 18%, with an additional 10% only diagnosed with AF after their stroke.
23% of those prescribed anticoagulants before their stroke were either on an inadequate dose, had paused their medication or regularly forgot to take it.
The in-hospital mortality rate for 2022 was 10.8%, lower than the UK rate of 13.8%.
I experienced a sudden, frightening moment during a walk when I lost function in my leg and arm. Quick intervention by a kind passerby and the prompt, expert care at hospital made a significant impact. From immediate tests to a supportive acute stroke ward, the attentive team, guided me through scans, medication, and home monitoring. Their ongoing support and the superb services played a pivotal role in my recovery, allowing me to resume a normal life, including dog walking, tennis, and even writing poetry. I am forever grateful for the incredible care that inspired my journey of acceptance and recovery.
Declan Whitney, Patient Representative
Webinar Recording
Presentations
Click on the presentation title below to view speaker PowerPoint presentation slides.
Speaker Presentation Title Edel Wilson, Patient and Public Interest Representative, INAS Governance Committee & Rehabilitation Training Officer, Headway Ireland Advocating for patients with a stroke in the community Prof Joe Harbison, Clinical Lead, INAS & Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Physician, St James’s Hospital Launch of the INAS National Report 2022 – Key Findings Prof Anne Hickey, Professor of Psychology and Deputy Dean for Positive Education, Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI Maximising the Quality of Stroke Care in Ireland - Development of a National Stroke Audit Mary Donovan, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke, University Hospital Kerry QI Projects in Stroke Services - Data collection for INAS and NOCA and QI Thrombectomy Audit Lisa Donaghy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Stroke, Connolly Hospital QI Projects in Stroke Services - Establishing a PFO pathway for acute stroke patients with a positive bubble study Virginie McCarty, Senior Clinical Psychologist - Clinical Neuropsychologist, University Hospital Limerick QI Projects in Stroke Services - Clinical audit of mood screen and delirium screen in stroke in UHL Prof Rónán Collins, Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for Stroke & Consultant Geriatrician and Stroke Physician, Tallaght University Hospital National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027
[ National Report]( https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/noca-uploads/general/Irish%5FNational%5FAudit%5Fof%5FStroke%5FNational%5FReport%5F2022%5FFINAL.pdf
) [ Summary Report]( https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/noca-uploads/general/Irish%5FNational%5FAudit%5Fof%5FStroke%5FSummary%5FReport%5F2022%5FFINAL.pdf
) [ National Reporting Table]( https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/noca-uploads/general/INAS%5FNational%5FReporting%5FTable%5F2022%5FFINAL.xlsx
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