AVERT Scotland: introducing a very early rehabilitation trial (AVERT) to Scotland [POSTER]

Craig, L.E., Langhorne, P. , Wu, O. , Walters, M.R., Ritchie, C.K. and Smith, L.N. (2009) AVERT Scotland: introducing a very early rehabilitation trial (AVERT) to Scotland [POSTER]. Cerebrovascular Diseases, 27(suppl.), p. 241. (doi: 10.1159/000221782)

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> AVERT is an international, multi-centre randomised controlled trial evaluating whether mobilisation commenced within 24 hrs of stroke improves outcome. Our team have recently become the coordinating centre for AVERT in Scotland, UK. In addition to contributing to the main trial results, we aim to specifically test the feasibility and cost effectiveness of the very early mobilisation (VEM) protocol in Scotland.<br></br> <b>Methods:</b> We plan to recruit 130 patients from 5 Scottish hospitals. Patients must be within 24 hrs of stroke and medically stable to be included. Those with severe pre-morbid disability, severe co-morbidities or requiring palliative care are excluded. Randomisation is stratified by site and stroke severity. Intervention group patients receive VEM delivered by a nurse/physiotherapist team within 24 hours of stroke and for a maximum of 14 days. Control group patients receive standard care. A blinded assessor evaluates 3 and 12 month outcomes. The main outcome is the feasibility of VEM measured by adherence to protocol. Data on healthcare resource use will be collected alongside the trial. Cost effectiveness will be determined from the perspective of the NHS in Scotland.<br></br> <b>Results:</b> On completion of training in Australia the AVERT-Scotland trial manager has subsequently trained multidisciplinary AVERT teams in trial protocols at 4 Scottish hospitals. Professional support for the trial has been obtained and trial support staff have been appointed. To date 77 stroke patients have been screened and 6 (7.8%) of these recruited.<br></br> <b>Conclusion:</b> There are many challenges in setting up a trial of a complex intervention such as AVERT. Local staff support and involvement has been crucial in the set-up of AVERT-Scotland. To account for differences in healthcare systems some flexibility in staffing models and funding structure has been required. Ensuring internal validity of trial processes and continued collaboration are important aspects for AVERT-Scotland.

• Item Type: Articles (Other)
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Langhorne, Professor Peter and Wu, Professor Olivia and Smith, Professor Lorraine
• Authors: Craig, L.E., Langhorne, P., Wu, O., Walters, M.R., Ritchie, C.K., and Smith, L.N.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Cerebrovascular Diseases
• ISSN: 1015-9770