Equality of Access to “Fast-Track” Stroke Services in an Older,Socio-Economically Deprived Scottish Population

Abstract

Background and Aims

Unequal access to specialist stroke services may contribute to the disproportionate stroke burden in certain populations. We evaluated the relationship between access to TIA services, deprivation and age.

Methods

We prospectively recorded referral pattern data on consecutive TIA service patients. Socio-economic deprivation was derived from postcode and census data. Associations were described using Kruskal-Wallis statistics.

Results

Of 3,462 patients assessed, there was no association between time to clinic referral or attendance and increasing deprivation or age.

Conclusion

Inequality of access to TIA services for older, deprived patients was not evident. However, delay to assessment and prevalence of risk factors was substantial for all patients.