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Updated: Aug 14, 2025

Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Interdisciplinary interactions, social systems and technical infrastructure required for successful implementation of
Kathleen L Bagot1,2, Tara Purvis2, Shaun Hancock1
1Public Health and Health Services Research, Stroke, The Florey Institute Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Rationale:
Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are increasingly being implemented to provide acute stroke care in the prehospital environment, but a comprehensive implementation evaluation has not been undertaken.
Aim:
To identify successes and challenges in the pre- and initial operations of the first Australian MSU service from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Methods:
Process evaluation of the Melbourne MSU with a mixed-methods design. Purposive sampling targeted key stakeholder groups. Online surveys (administered June-September 2019) and semistructured interviews (October-November 2019) explored experiences. Directed content analysis (raters' agreement 85%) and thematic analysis results are presented using the Interactive Sociotechnical Analysis framework.
Results:
Participants representing executive/program operations, MSU clinicians and hospital-based clinicians completed 135 surveys and 38 interviews. Results converged, with major themes addressing successes and challenges: stakeholders, vehicle, knowledge, training/education, communication, work processes and working relationships.
Conclusions:
Successes and challenges of establishing a new MSU service extend beyond technical, to include operational and social aspects across prehospital and hospital environments.
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