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ACU Nursing Stroke Study

The final results from the Quality in Acute Stroke Care (QASC) trial that Professor Sandy Middleton has been leading for the last five years have been published today in the Lancet.

There has been significant media interest and the study will be featured on ABC1 TV 7pm news tonight, Wed 12 October.

"Results showed that teamwork and good nursing care can significantly reduce death and disability three months following stroke. Excitingly, this is one of the few studies to demonstrate the value of good nursing care."

"The QASC trial was conducted throughout 19 NSW stroke units from 2005 – 2011. This project developed, implemented and rigorously evaluated, using a clustered randomised controlled trial design, an intervention to improve evidence-based management of fever, hyperglycaemia and swallowing management in the first 72 hours following acute stroke."

"Our results showed that patients who were cared for in stroke units that were randomised to the intervention arm of the study were 16% more likely to be alive and independent at 90 days when compared with patients who were cared for in stroke units who had been allocated to the control arm. Patients also had lower mean temperature levels, lower mean glucose levels and improved swallow screening within 24 hours."

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