Stroke

The Stroke Research Programme (SRP) is a unique collaboration between SAHMRI, the University of Adelaide and the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN). In 2016 there are 22 members of the SRP.

The SRP has fostered original observational and interventional research based out of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, as well as collaborated with other SA and interstate hospitals. The SRP is also engaged in research into stroke in Aboriginal Australians, with the assistance of the SAHMRI Wardliparringa Aboriginal Health Unit. Research conducted by the SRP is helping to improve response times and health outcomes for individuals who have a stroke.’

Translational research falling within the immediate ambit of the SA Centre includes areas such as Quantifying and Overcoming Barriers to Stroke Unit Access. Stroke unit admission and care has been shown to be beneficial for the treatment and survival of stroke patients. However, an audit by the National Stroke Foundation in 2015 found that of 185 hospitals in Australia, only 67% of people with stroke were admitted to a Stroke unit. In order to receive the benefits of stroke unit care, patients should be placed in a stroke unit, and barriers to access need to be overcome.

In 2016 research commenced on the quantification of barriers to Stroke Unit access and the identification of strategies to overcome these barriers. Early findings on the study were presented at the Asia Pacific Stroke Conference in Brisbane in July this year. The next stage of the research is to use a similar approach with respect to average length of stay for stroke patients on the wards.

Contact: Associate Professor Anne Hamilton-Bruce: anne.hamilton-bruce@sa.gov.au; https://www.adelaide.edu.au/srp/