Exploring inter-professional roles in the provision of UK outpatient transient ischaemic attack services

Gordon, Clare and Patel, Kulsum and Watkins, Caroline and Emsley, Hedley CA and Price, Christopher and Werring, David and Lightbody, Catherine Elizabeth (2025) Exploring inter-professional roles in the provision of UK outpatient transient ischaemic attack services. British Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, 21 (2). S6-S16. ISSN 1747-0307

Abstract

Background: Suspected transient ischaemic attack is a diagnostic challenge, yet requires timely diagnosis for secondary stroke prevention. Aims: To understand variability of organisational processes, roles, education and clinical decision making in the UK's transient ischaemic attack services. Methods: Healthcare professionals were surveyed online in 2021 with descriptive data analysis. Interviews were conducted with a purposive sample. Three researchers thematically analysed interview data. Findings: Survey responses were received from 43 transient ischaemic attack services. 70% conducted remote consultations, 28% face-to-face, and 2% mixed. Clinicians with varying roles, skills and experience provided transient ischaemic attack services. All services involved a consultant physician with experience in stroke. Ten interviews confirmed the survey results and highlighted variability regarding clinical decision making, service composition, resources, learning opportunities and mode of consultation. Conclusions: Variability in transient ischaemic attack service workforce and service organisation influenced diagnostic decisions. The possible impact of such variability on clinical outcomes and approaches to reducing it require further research.