Does implementation of a standardized pathway of stroke care affect functional outcome after stroke?

A stroke care pathway (SCP) was introduced in Norway in 2018. The goal of the pathway was to avoid delay in treatment and diagnostics of acute stroke and to secure treatment according to national guidelines. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how the implementation of the SCP affects outcome after stroke.

We performed a register-based study using data from the Norwegian Stroke Register that covers 87% of acute stroke patients in Norway. Patients included 1 year before and 1 year after the introduction of the care pathway were compared (2017 vs 2019). Change in functional outcome, the proportion of independent patients 90 days post-stroke, discharge destination, proportions admitted to stroke units and 90 days mortality were compared. Functional outcome was measured using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and functional independence was defined as mRS 0-2.

In total, 11,009 patients with 90 days follow-up data were analyzed. Comparing the cohorts from 2017 and 2019, there was no change in demographics or stroke characteristics. No statistically significant differences in mRS, admission to thrombolysis time, or 90 days mortality were found. However, the proportion of patients discharged directly home and treated in a stroke unit increased from 2017 to 2019.

The implementation of a standardized pathway of stroke care in Norway did not lead to improvement in functional outcome or a reduction in 90 days mortality. However, the proportion of patients discharged directly home increased, and more patients were treated in stroke units in 2019 compared with 2017.