Development and implementation of evidence-based indicators for measuring quality of acute stroke care: the Quality Indicator Board of the German Stroke Registers Study Group (ADSR).

Background And Purpose: There is no consensus about indicators for measuring quality of acute stroke care in Germany. Therefore, a standardized process was initiated recently to develop and implement evidence-based indicators for the measurement of quality of acute hospital stroke care.

Methods: Quality indicators were developed by a multidisciplinary board between November 2003 and December 2005.

[Between collegial conversation and controlled trials: hospital-based neurologists' sources of information and their practical knowledge in the treatment of stroke patients].

The application of evidence-based and standardized knowledge is an important basis for coordinated and effective clinical work. A multicenter study, which was conducted in 30 clinical neurology departments and included 99 junior and senior registrars, addressed aspects of practical knowledge of stroke treatment by open structured oral interviews which were analyzed with respect to interphysician and guideline conformity. In addition, the participants were asked to rate the usefulness of various informational sources and describe their informational sources used according to the aspects of practical knowledge addressed.

[Clinical neurologists' views on measures influencing the quality of acute stroke care].

Background: Legislation, professional medical societies and health care providers urge neurological departments to increase focus on more effective structures and processes. This, however, depends on the appreciation of quality features by the physicians involved.

Goal: The present study aimed to identify neurologists' subjective quality criteria, the analysis of influential factors, and a comparison with existing guidelines.