The South London Stroke Register: Improving the Lives of Stroke Survivors With Data
The South London Stroke Register is an important study based in South London that has been collecting information about stroke since 1995. Its main goal is to improve the lives of people who have had a stroke. Researchers are looking at how different definitions of stroke impact what we know about it, as well as tracking people's health and recovery for up to 15 years after their stroke. This includes understanding their general health, how well they manage daily activities, and their mental well-being. By collecting and analyzing this detailed information, the study aims to improve care and support for stroke survivors in the future, helping us understand what helps people lead better lives after a stroke.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The South London Stroke Register is a long-running research project focused on understanding stroke and its effects on people in a specific part of South London. Think of it like keeping a careful record of everyone in that area who has a stroke. This helps researchers understand how common stroke is and how it affects people over many years. They look at things like how quickly people recover, what kind of help they need, and how their quality of life changes.
Since 1995, the study has been collecting valuable information. Now, they are updating how they define a stroke, which might change how many cases they identify and how severe they appear to be. By continuing to follow people for up to 15 years after their stroke, the researchers can learn a great deal. This includes understanding how their health progresses, if they have another stroke, how they manage daily tasks, and their mental health, like anxiety or depression. This kind of long-term look is crucial because it helps us understand what really makes a difference to stroke survivors over time.
Ultimately, the goal of this research is to use this detailed information to better meet the needs of stroke patients now and in the future. By knowing more about how people recover, what support they use (like formal care, help from family and friends, or social services), and what helps them the most, doctors and healthcare providers can offer better care. This study is all about using real-world data to improve treatments and support for people who have experienced a stroke.
Key takeaways
- The study has been tracking stroke survivors in South London since 1995.
- It aims to understand long-term effects of stroke and different care needs.
- Participation involves regular interviews about your health and recovery.
- Your information helps improve future stroke care and support services.
- The study does not involve new treatments or medications, only data collection.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people who have had their first stroke and live within certain areas of South London. They are interested in people who had their first stroke from the beginning of 1995 onwards. This includes different types of stroke, such as those caused by a clot, bleeding in the brain (like a subarachnoid haemorrhage), or when the exact type of stroke isn't known.
From April 2022, they will also be looking at people whose stroke fits a new, updated medical definition. This new definition means that some conditions that were previously called 'mini-strokes' (TIA) might now be included if there's clear evidence of blood vessel disease in the brain from scans.
You would not be able to join the study if your first stroke happened before 1995, or if you didn't live in the specified South London area when you had your first stroke. Also, if your symptoms resolved quickly and scans didn't show any lasting damage to the brain, or if your symptoms were due to something else like a brain tumour, you would not be included.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Did you have your first stroke since January 1st, 1995?
- Were you living in a specific part of South London when you had your first stroke?
- Has a doctor confirmed you had a stroke (not just a mini-stroke without brain damage)?
- Are your symptoms not caused by something else like a brain tumour?
What does participation involve?
If you take part in this study, it mainly involves having regular follow-up interviews. These interviews are designed to check on your health and recovery journey after a stroke, and they can continue for up to 15 years. There are no new medications or treatments involved; the study simply collects information about your experiences. The researchers will ask about your overall health, how you manage your daily activities, your quality of life, and your mental well-being, like if you're experiencing anxiety or depression. They will also collect information from your medical records. The study is ongoing, so the duration of your individual participation would depend on when you had your stroke and how long the researchers are able to follow your progress.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (7)
- Barts Health NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- University College London hospitals NHS Foundation trustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation trustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- King's College hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS trustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to gather information to better understand stroke and improve care and support for people who have had a stroke in South London.
Will I receive new treatment if I join?
No, this study is 'observational', meaning it watches and collects information about your health and recovery, but it doesn't involve new treatments or medications.
How long will I be followed in the study?
You could be followed for up to 15 years after your stroke, with regular interviews to track your progress and well-being.
What kind of information will I be asked about?
You'll be asked about your overall health, daily activities, quality of life, and mental health, such as anxiety and depression, through interviews.
What happens to my information?
Your information is used anonymously by researchers to understand stroke patterns and outcomes, helping to improve care for all stroke survivors.
How to find out more
Eva S Emmett
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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