Accuracy of Identifying Acute Stroke Admissions in a Michigan Stroke Registry
2011

Accuracy of Identifying Acute Stroke Admissions in a Michigan Stroke Registry

Sample size: 240 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Reeves Mathew J., Wehner Susan, Organek Natalie, Birbeck Gretchen L., Mullard Andrew J., Jacobs Bradley S., Kothari Rashmi, Hickenbottom Susan

Primary Institution: Michigan State University

Hypothesis

The study aims to determine the accuracy of acute stroke diagnoses in Michigan hospitals participating in a stroke registry.

Conclusion

The accuracy of hospitals participating in a stroke registry to identify acute stroke admissions was very good, with a tendency to underreport rather than overreport stroke admissions.

Supporting Evidence

  • The physician panel reached consensus on 91.3% of admissions.
  • The registry teams had a sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 100%.
  • Positive predictive value of the registry teams' designations was 100%.
  • Negative predictive value was 90.5%.

Takeaway

The study shows that hospitals can get better at spotting strokes if they get the right training and support.

Methodology

Registry teams from 15 Michigan hospitals identified suspect acute stroke admissions and classified them, with a physician panel later reviewing the cases for accuracy.

Potential Biases

Potential for bias in case selection and misapplication of case definition criteria.

Limitations

The study's findings may not represent long-term accuracy as the audit was conducted early in the registry's operation, and the small sample size at each hospital limited specific findings.

Participant Demographics

Participants included hospitals of varying sizes and capabilities across Michigan.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 81.1%-93.3%

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