Identifying priority interventions for stroke in Ireland through stakeholder engagement to inform population-based modelling: a mixed methods protocol

Abstract

Introduction Improvements in stroke survival have resulted in increasing numbers of people living with stroke, and with a rapidly evolving evidence-base for stroke prevention and management, there is a need for robust data and evidence to inform future policy decision-making. Population-based modelling and economic evaluation of alternative policy options is a useful tool to support decision making. However, this process must be aligned to key stakeholder priorities. The aim of the proposed research is to engage with stakeholders in Ireland to identify their priorities for the development of stroke prevention and management strategies and policies. Methods The design is iterative, based on mixed methods. Phase 1 involves a qualitative approach for initial priority gathering, based on an open-ended online survey (target sample: 100-120) and interviews (target sample: 34-40). Stakeholders will include: 1) stroke survivors and family member/main carers, 2) healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing stroke care and 3) people working in stroke research, policy and advocacy. These data will be analysed qualitatively, with the aim of identifying a long-list of specific interventions.  Phase 2 involves an interim priority setting exercise, based on a quantitative online survey. Participants will be asked to rank the interventions on the initial long-list.  These rankings will be used to inform a final priority-setting workshop (Phase 3), where a small stakeholder group will decide on the final set of priorities. Discussion The rich and detailed quantitative and qualitative data, based on the views of diverse stakeholders, will be directly relevant to policy makers and service planners involved in developing and improving stroke care in Ireland. The information provided will also be essential to inform the Scenario and Intervention Modelling in Ireland for Stroke (SIMI-Stroke) project, a population-based economic and epidemiological modelling study aimed at identifying cost-effective interventions for stroke across the prevention, acute and post-acute care continuum.