| Methods |
Before‐and‐after study with one concurrent control group. Retrospective data collection. |
| Participants |
346 patients with "cerebrovascular disease" (with DRG code 014) ‐ CP group 54, concurrent control group 71, 'before' group 221. 392 were considered but 6 were non‐strokes and 40 required intensive care (i.e. excluded). |
| Interventions |
TREATMENT GROUP: multidisciplinary stroke protocol with critical path for nursing care, emergency room management algorithm, and hospital unit physician's order sheet. Pre‐defined tests, treatments and time projections. CONTROL GROUP: undefined patient care for 'before' or concurrent control groups. |
| Outcomes |
Mean LOS (days): CP=5.5 vs Before=8.8 vs CC=6.7 (no CI). Carotid Doppler performed: CP=37/54 vs Before=104/221 vs CC=36/71. DVT prophylaxis: CP=14/54 vs 9/71 vs CC=30/221. UTI: CP=1/54 vs Before=32/221 vs CC=4/71. No difference in discharge destination, mortality, complications (DVT, pneumonia, infections), length or cost of rehabilitation, neuroimaging, EEG, LP, catheter angiography, 24‐hour ECG, echocardiography, therapy input, or heparin use. Median hospital cost ($): CP=4756 vs HC=7072 vs CC=7044. |
| Notes |
Acute stroke. All 3 groups were similar except concurrent control group had more haemorrhagic strokes (CC=14.7% vs CP=5.7% and Before=8.3%). |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
D ‐ Not used |
