Initial testing of an electronic application of the simplified modified Rankin Scale questionnaire (e-smRSq).

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE: To facilitate modified Rankin scale (mRS) assessments, we developed and tested a smartphone/web application of the simplified mRS questionnaire (e-smRSq). The e-smRSq guides raters towards a final score according to the smRSq algorithm, and offers hints for scoring based on the conventional mRS concepts. METHODS: Initially, three experienced mRS certified raters prepared 30 vignettes of unstructured stroke patient interviews, and determined consensus reference scores. Using the e-smRSq, 16 raters of varied professional backgrounds without mRS training scored the mRS for 24 randomly selected vignettes. Subsequently, 5 certified and 5 uncertified raters using the e-smRSq scored 23 mRS certification vignettes developed and used in the Strategies to Innovate Emergency Care Clinical Trials Network-Neurological Emergencies Treatment Trials (SIREN-NETT). Cohen's and Fleiss's kappa (κ), weighted kappa (κw), and intra-class correlation (ICC) compared rater scores with reference scores and assessed interrater reliability. RESULTS: For the 16 initial raters using the e-smRSq with 24 vignettes, the κ (Fleiss) was 0.62 and ICC 0.87 (CI 0.80-0.93). Comparing raters' scores with reference scores, Cohen's κ was 0.68 and κw 0.90. For the 10 subsequent raters using the e-smRSq on SIREN-NETT vignettes, κ (Fleiss) was 0.8 and ICC 0.95 (CI 0.91-0.97). Comparing all 10 raters scores with SIREN-NETT reference scores, Cohen's κ was 0.88 and κw 0.97. There was no significant difference between certified and uncertified raters. CONCLUSIONS: The e-smRSq appears to have good reproducibility and validity metrics among both certified and non-certified mRS raters, possibly owing to its simplicity. Further testing in stroke patients in warranted.

Mechanical thrombectomy in stroke - planning for service expansion using discrete event simulation.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a very effective, but highly time dependent, reperfusion technique in the management of acute ischaemic stroke caused by large artery occlusion. MT is provided by 24 neuroscience centres (NSCs) in the UK which receive patients directly ('mothership') and via transfer from district general hospitals (DGHs), the 'drip and ship' pathway. NSCs currently provide a within hours service but are working on service expansion to enable 24/7 availability. DGHs, too, will need to prepare for this service expansion to ensure good outcomes for their patients. We discuss options for service expansion in a DGH and regional stroke network in south-west England and use Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme data and discrete event simulation to model and compare alternative workflow options to aid the planning process. We suggest that our modelled options could be considered by all NHS DGHs in their preparation for MT service expansion.

Improving pain assessment and managment in stroke patients.

Stroke patients can experience a variety of pain. Many stroke patients have co-morbidities such as osteoporosis, arthritis or diabetes causing diabetic neuropathy. As well as pain from other long term conditions, stroke patients can experience central post-stroke pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal issues such as hypertonia, contractures, spasticity, and subluxations. These stroke patients can also have communication difficulties in the form of expressive dysphasia and/or global aphasia. Communication difficulties can result in these patients not expressing their pain and therefore not having it assessed, leading to inadequate pain relief that could impact their rehabilitation and recovery. By implementing an observational measurement of pain such as the Abbey pain scale, patients with communication difficulties can have their pain assessed and recorded. Initially 30% of patients on the acute stroke ward did not have their pain assessed and adequately recorded and 15% of patients had inadequate pain relief. The patient was assessed if they were in pain and therefore not receiving adequate pain relief by measuring their pain on the Abbey pain scale. After introducing the Abbey pain scale and creating a nurse advocate, an improvement was shown such that only 5% of patients did not have their pain recorded and all had adequate pain relief.