This impacts case study shows how our work prompted a national strategy for stroke care and NHS adoption of clinical best practice more widely, leading to considerable cost reductions.
It is one example of financial or non-financial benefits realised in 2014 as a result of our involvement, all of which are set out in our interactive PDF.
Impacts case study
We found that the NHS was not making best use of proven clinical practices in stroke care that were known to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. These included specialist stroke units, brain scanning and early supported discharge. Slow progress in implementing best practice meant that stroke patients were staying in hospital longer than necessary.
What are impacts?
Our findings accelerated change, prompting the Department of Health to develop a national strategy for stroke care and the NHS to adopt clinical best practice more widely. Our recommendations helped improve outcomes for stroke patients through faster access to tests and specialist treatment, and the associated efficiencies helped save the NHS an estimated £456 million between 2007-08 and 2013-14.
