INSIGHT – Integrated Needs and Stroke Care: Inequalities, Health Outcomes, and Care Pathways After Stroke
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability among adults and places high demands on equitable and accessible care throughout the entire continuum of care. Previous research has shown that social and structural factors can influence both access to healthcare and health outcomes. However, there is still limited knowledge about how care processes, treatment, and rehabilitation may differ between people born in Sweden and those born outside Sweden.
National research project
INSIGHT is a national research project that investigates whether there are differences in the quality of stroke care, treatment, and outcomes between individuals with Swedish and foreign backgrounds who have experienced a stroke. The project is based on data from the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke), linked to information from Statistics Sweden (SCB) regarding country of birth and socioeconomic factors. By analysing national registry data using Riksstroke quality indicators, the project aims to identify potential inequalities in stroke care and health outcomes.
The project also includes qualitative studies to deepen the understanding of the patterns and differences identified through the registry analyses. Through interviews with people who have experienced a stroke, their family members, and healthcare and rehabilitation professionals, the project explores experiences of care, rehabilitation, and recovery after stroke. This qualitative perspective contributes to a better understanding of factors that may facilitate or hinder access to healthcare and rehabilitation, as well as how healthcare services are experienced by different groups.
The project is aligned with the Swedish National Guidelines for Stroke Care, the national stroke care pathway, and the National Board of Health and Welfare's objective of achieving equitable health and healthcare on equal terms for the entire population. By combining national registry data with the experiences of patients, family members, and healthcare professionals, INSIGHT aims to generate knowledge that can support the development of more equitable, person-centred, and accessible stroke care in Sweden.
Design
INSIGHT uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative component is based on national registry data from Riksstroke, the National Cause of Death Register, the National Patient Register, and the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register, all of which have been linked to data from Statistics Sweden (SCB) on country of birth and socioeconomic conditions. The analyses focus on care processes, treatment, rehabilitation, and health outcomes following stroke.
The qualitative component includes interviews with people who have experienced a stroke, their family members, and healthcare and rehabilitation professionals. These interviews aim to explore experiences of acute care, rehabilitation, and recovery after stroke, as well as to identify factors that may contribute to or reduce inequalities in healthcare.
Funding
The project is funded by the Swedish Stroke Association (Strokeförbundet) and the Angeby Foundation.