From 'strong recommendation' to practice: A pre-test post-test study examining adherence to stroke guidelines for fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing (FeSS) management post-stroke.

Background: The Quality in Acute Stroke Care (QASC) Trial demonstrated that assistance to implement protocols to manage Fever, hyperglycaemia (Sugar) and Swallowing (FeSS) post-stroke reduced death and disability. In 2017, a 'Strong Recommendation' for use of FeSS Protocols was included in the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management. We aimed to: i) compare adherence to FeSS Protocols pre- and post-guideline inclusion; ii) determine if adherence varied with prior participation in a treatment arm of a FeSS Intervention study, or receiving treatment in a stroke unit; and compare findings with our previous studies.

Access to inpatient mood management services after stroke in Australian acute and rehabilitation hospitals.

Objective: Post-stroke mental health impairments are common, but under-assessed and under-treated. We aim to describe trends in the provision of mood management to patients with stroke, and describe factors associated with adoption of national mood management recommendations for stroke within Australian hospitals.

Design: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from the biennial Stroke Foundation Audit Program.

Statistical analysis plan for the Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke randomised controlled clinical trial.

Background: Unplanned hospital presentations may occur post-stroke due to inadequate preparation for transitioning from hospital to home. The Recovery-focused Community support to Avoid readmissions and improve Participation after Stroke (ReCAPS) trial was designed to test the effectiveness of receiving a 12-week, self-management intervention, comprising personalised goal setting with a clinician and aligned educational/motivational electronic messages. Primary outcome is as follows: self-reported unplanned hospital presentations (emergency department/admission) within 90-day post-randomisation.

Comparing acute hospital outcomes for people with post-stroke aphasia who do and do not require an interpreter.

Background: People with communication differences are known to have poorer hospital outcomes than their peers. However, the combined impact of aphasia and cultural/linguistic differences on care and outcomes after stroke remains unknown.

Objectives: To investigate the association between cultural/linguistic differences, defined as those requiring an interpreter, and the provision of acute evidence-based stroke care and in-hospital outcomes for people with aphasia.

Twenty years of monitoring acute stroke care in Australia through the national stroke audit programme (1999-2019): A cross-sectional study.

Background: National organisational surveys and clinical audits to monitor and guide improvements to the delivery of evidence-based acute stroke care have been undertaken in Australia since 1999. This study aimed to determine the association between repeated national audit cycles on stroke service provision and care delivery from 1999 to 2019.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from organisational surveys (1999, 2004, 2007-2019) and clinical data from the biennial National Stroke Acute Audit (2007-2019).

Crohn's & Colitis Australia inflammatory bowel disease audit: measuring the quality of care in Australia.

Background: Australia has among the highest prevalence of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in the world. Management of the chronic gastrointestinal disorders results in significant societal costs and the standard of care is inconsistent across Australia.

Aim: To audit the quality of care received by patients admitted for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across Australia against national IBD standards.

Knowledge of risk factors for diabetes or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is poor among individuals with risk factors for CVD.

Background: There is limited evidence on whether having pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or risk factors for CVD such as diabetes, ensures greater knowledge of risk factors important for motivating preventative behaviours. Our objective was to compare knowledge among the Australian public participating in a health check program and their risk status.

Methods: Data from the Stroke Foundation 'Know your numbers' program were used.

Improving stroke knowledge through a 'volunteer-led' community education program in Australia.

Background: Public awareness of stroke risks and warning signs remains poor. The National Stroke Foundation (NSF) in Australia has been undertaking a StrokeSafe Ambassador Education program to raise awareness of stroke. The format includes presentations by volunteers trained to be 'ambassadors' to spread standard information about stroke to the public.