Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
A survey of the practice of stroke doctors in developing transient ischaemic attack services in the UK
Paula Beech1, Joanne Greenhalgh, Maria Thornton
1Stroke Services, CSB, Hope Hospital, Stott Lane, Salford, UK. paula.beech@manchester.ac.uk
Insights
Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) clinics in the UK face challenges meeting national targets due to delays in appointments and investigations. Current service models require re-evaluation to improve TIA patient care and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) clinics are crucial for rapid assessment and secondary prevention of stroke.
- Current UK practice and adherence to national targets for TIA services require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current establishment and operation of TIA clinics in the UK.
- To assess whether national TIA targets are being met.
- To inform future development of TIA services.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to members of the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP).
- The survey collected data on TIA clinic practices, appointment times, and investigation delays.
Main Results:
- 77% of respondents reported running TIA clinics, with 75% of the remainder planning to do so.
- Median time from TIA to appointment exceeded national targets.
- Delays were reported for key investigations, such as carotid Doppler scanning.
Conclusions:
- Current TIA service models are insufficient to meet national targets.
- Significant delays in clinic appointments and investigations are key areas of concern.
- Alternative service models must be explored to improve TIA care.
Rationale, Aims And Objectives:
(1) To describe current practice in the establishment and running of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) clinics in the UK; (2) to identify whether TIA targets are met; (3) to inform future TIA service development.
Methods:
A survey distributed to the members of the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP).
Results:
Forty-one per cent of full BASP members responded to the survey. TIA clinics were being run by 77% of respondents. Of the remainder 75% had plans to do so. Dedicated consultant time for stroke predominated among those involved in clinics (87% vs. 54%). The median time for clinics operation was 36 months. The median time from TIA to appointment was 2 weeks, exceeding national targets. Sixty-four per cent of clinics were run weekly and 31% more than once a week. Forty-six per cent stated they ran a one-stop clinic service yet only 10% said there were no later follow-up visits. A patient returning for completion of investigations was the most common reason for this (60%). Waits for investigations were reported - 53% indicated a wait for carotid Doppler scanning and 41% indicated this wait was in excess of 1 week.
Conclusion:
Key areas of concern arising from this survey were that time from TIA to clinic appointment remained outside the national target and there were delays for key investigations. Current service models are inadequate to meet current TIA targets and exploration of alternative service models is required.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
01:29Stroke: Introduction and Types
01:15Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
01:15Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care