Service factors causing delay in specialist assessment for TIA and minor stroke: a qualitative study of GP and patient perspectives

Conclusions Primary and emergency care providers need to review how they can best handle patients presenting with symptoms that could be due to stroke or TIA. In general practice, this may include receptionist training and/or triage by a nurse or doctor. Mechanisms need to be established to enable direct referral to the TIA clinic when patients whose symptoms have resolved present to other agencies. Further work is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy by non-specialists.
Source: BMJ Open - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Open access, Cardiovascular medicine, Emergency medicine, Health services research, Qualitative research Source Type: research