Stroke survivor views on trade-offs for ambulance redirection - a strategy to increase access to Mechanical Thrombectomy in England

What is the study about?

Ambulance Redirection is a new method being trialled in certain parts the NHS to make sure people with a stroke have rapid access to the treatments they need.**

It has the potential to improve the rates of people able to receive a treatment called Mechanical Thrombectomy, which has the potential to reduce the number of people left severely disabled after a large stroke.

Whilst Ambulance Redirection has the potential to deliver huge benefits to people, it also comes with some trade-offs. We want to understand the views of stroke survivors and carers about the balance of these trade-offs to inform how Ambulance Redirection is designed.

What will it Involve?

The research will involve taking part in a 2hr focus group discussion. This will either be online or face-to-face where possible, with any travel expenses covered by the research team – we will discuss the best option when you sign up.

In the focus group you will hear more about the context and trade-offs associated with Ambulance Redirection, then be asked to give your opinions, and join in a discussion around these scenarios.

The discussion will be recorded and transcribed for later analysis, all participants will be anonymised in the transcription process.

Who can take part?

We are looking for any stroke survivors or carers of those who have had a stroke who live in England.

We are particularly interested in people from outside of the North East, Merseyside and East Yorkshire (as we have already received views from those areas), but people from those areas are still welcome.

How Can I Register my Interest?

Contact Abi on abi.alton@newcastle.ac.uk. If you would prefer to contact us by telephone, please call Newcastle Stroke Research Group on 0191 2085847.