Title
Transient Ischaemic Attack 999 Emergency Referral (TIER)
Principal / Lead Investigator
- Mr Nigel Rees, Head of Research & Innovation Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust (WAST)
Co-Investigators / Research team
- Prof Helen Snooks, Swansea University
- Dr Richard Dewar, Cwm Taf Health Board
- Prof Adrian Edwards, Cardiff University
- Chris Moore, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
- Dr Alison Porter, Swansea University
- Dr Bernadette Sewell, Swansea University
- Dr Alan Watkins, Swansea University
- Shirley Whitman (Patient representative)
- Dr Anne Seagrove (Trial Manager), Swansea University
- Dr Jenna Bulger (Trial Manager), Swansea University
Collaborators:
- Dr Khalid Ali, Brighton &Sussex Medical School
- Dr Bridie Evans, Swansea University
- Prof Gary Ford, Oxford Academic Health Science Network
- Mr Martin Heaven, Swansea University
- Alan Pryce (Patient representative),
- Prof Tom Quinn, Joint Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University and St. George's, University of London
Type of study
Cluster randomised feasibility trial
Summary
Background
This trial addresses a problem in the care of patients with suspected TIA presenting to the ambulance service, where delays in the processes of care may have consequences for health and satisfaction of patients. Although our feasibility trial may result in some patients waiting longer for their initial assessment by a doctor, that initial assessment would be carried out by a specialist rather than an emergency care doctor, who would eventually need to refer the patient to a specialist anyway. Developing and testing an alternative care pathway based on initial assessment by paramedics and referral of eligible patients directly to specialist care, without conveyance and assessment at Emergency Department (ED) demonstrates prudent healthcare.
Aim of the research
To develop and assess the feasibility of paramedic referral of patients with low-risk suspected TIA directly to TIA clinic for early review, without going to the emergency department (ED). For those patients who do not require immediate hospital care, this will provide timely specialist review without: adverse consequences; the inconvenience of ED attendance; and unnecessary cost to the NHS. If the intervention is found to be acceptable and practical to implement, we will develop our methods for a full randomised controlled trial (RCT). We will collect data on a number of outcomes to help us assess the feasibility of conducting such a trial.
Outputs
The feasibility trial will provide the basis for a rigorous trial to assess the risks and benefits of the new model of care for patients with suspected TIA attended by paramedics. Such systems are in place in parts of England at present without underpinning evidence of effectiveness and safety, underlining the need for this research for clinical practice and policy development. Our trial will be an important step towards a definitive trial, the outcome of which could pave the way to truly prudent healthcare for patients with suspected TIA.
Link with RDG / CSG or similar
TIER is on the Swansea Trials Unit portfolio
Who is the study sponsor?
Welsh Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Does the study involve commercial partnership activity?
No
Funder
Health and Care Research Wales
Total grant value
£238,139
Amount accruing to your group (if different)
£229,819
Start date
01/10/2015
End date
30/09/2017
Further information
To follow
