Evaluation of the quality of medical care for ischemic stroke patientsby using Quality Indicators (QIs)

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the quality of medical care for ischemic stroke patients by retrospective measurement of quality indicators.Methods: Thirteen items to be used as quality indicators were determined by an expert panel discussion. Retrospective chart reviews of ischemic stroke patients were performed for collecting quality indicators in two general hospitals.Results: A total of 225 patients with ischemic stroke were reviewed. Recordings of alcohol consumption and smoking from medical charts were 96.4% (214 of 222) and 98.2% (218 of 222), respectively. Swallowing assessment for patients after the fasted period was 64.0% (57 of 89). Administration of antiplatelet or anticoagulant for secondary prevention of stroke was 78.1% (139 of 178). Administration rate of antiplatelet or anticoagulant for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke was significantly lower in patients with the fasted period (67.5%) than in those without the fasted period (86.0%).Conclusions: The quality of medical care for stroke patients was evaluated and quantified using quality indicators. Quality indicators are valuable and applicable to stroke patients but require modifications according to clinical practice in Japan.