16 May 2013
A NEW pilot study asking why people from South Yorkshire are less likely to ring ‘999’ after experiencing symptoms of a stroke is due to start in July this year.
The Stroke Awareness and Response to Symptoms study (STARS), which will be run from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals’ stroke admissions unit, will look at the specific psychological barriers which prevent people in the region from calling ‘999’ immediately after experiencing stroke symptoms. It is the first large-scale stroke study of its type to be carried out in the UK.
More than 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke each year, and a quarter are aged under 65. Last year, nearly 1,000 people were admitted to Sheffield as a result of stroke, but many patients suffering from a stroke or mini-stroke (called a transient ischaemic attack, or TIA), arrive too late in hospital to benefit from emergency treatments because they fail to call ‘999’ straight away. Recognising stroke symptoms as a medical emergency is vital if prompt treatment is to be given and brain damage prevented.
Marc Randall, consultant in neurology for Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Stroke is one of the single largest causes of death, but we believe people in South Yorkshire are less likely to seek help early. This might be because they have a reputation for being stoic and soldiering on regardless. During this study we’ll be asking patients why they didn’t call ‘999’ as soon as they started experiencing stroke symptoms."
Dr Jessica Redgrave, the project lead investigator added: “We’ll also be looking at people's responses to the national Act F.A.S.T. stroke awareness campaign and how this influenced their behaviour when seeking help. Ultimately we want more patients to receive a clot-busting drug, thrombolysis which can save lives and reduce disability if given within four and half hours of stroke onset. Patients who suffer from a TIA or mini-stroke also need urgent treatment, as they have a one in five chance of suffering a full stroke within four weeks if they receive no medical treatment.”
There are three early stroke warning signs highlighted in the Department of Health’s ‘FAST’ test. These include the face drooping on one side, an inability to smile, drooping eyes or mouth, an inability to lift one arm or both arms and keep them there, slurred speech. Anyone noticing these signs should call 999 immediately. For further information go to http://www.nhs.uk/actfast/Pages/stroke.aspx.
Members of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital’s stroke team and the Stroke Association will be checking blood pressure and answering questions on stroke signs and prevention at the Stroke Association’s charity shop on Fargate on May 16, and at B Floor main entrance at the Royal Hallamshire on May 28, both from 11am to 3pm. Free refreshments will be provided.
ENDS
