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Published on: December 19, 2025
Scottish Stroke Research Network: the first three years.
K McCormick1, P Langhorne, F E J Graham
1Queen Victoria Hospital, Kirkaldy, UK.
Scottish Medical Journal
|August 28, 2010
Summary
The Scottish Stroke Research Network (SSRN) enhanced clinical trial participation by 58% in three years. While recruitment increased significantly, engaging more screened stroke patients in research remains a key challenge.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Public Health
Background:
- UK research networks were established to improve clinical research.
- Stroke was identified as a priority area for local research network development.
- The Scottish Stroke Research Network (SSRN) is one of 11 UK stroke research networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress of the Scottish Stroke Research Network (SSRN) in its first three years.
- To assess the impact of the SSRN on stroke research activity and participant recruitment in Scotland.
Main Methods:
- The study reviewed data from 2006-2009, covering the SSRN's initial three years.
- Data included the number of active hospital research sites, stroke research nurses, and participant recruitment figures.
- Case study data from the CLOTs trial was used to illustrate recruitment changes.
Main Results:
- Active hospital research sites increased from 10 to 22, involving 20 stroke research nurses.
- Participant recruitment in stroke studies rose by 58%, from 376 to 594 annually.
- The CLOTs trial showed an increase in annual recruitment from a median of 94 to 140 patients post-SSRN involvement.
Conclusions:
- The SSRN demonstrated significant progress in its first three years, expanding research infrastructure and participant recruitment.
- The network currently screens approximately 50% of Scottish stroke patients.
- Increasing the recruitment rate of screened stroke patients into supported research studies is an ongoing challenge.
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