Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England

Abstract Background The Six-Month Review (6MR) was introduced in the United Kingdom to provide a holistic, systematic review of the ongoing needs faced by stroke survivors. However, a theoretical underpinning regarding how it should work is lacking, potentially leading to wide variation in service p...

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Main Authors: Rich Holmes, Suzanne Ackerley, Rebecca J Fisher, Louise A Connell
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-01-01
Series:BMC Health Services Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12323-6
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author Rich Holmes
Suzanne Ackerley
Rebecca J Fisher
Louise A Connell
author_facet Rich Holmes
Suzanne Ackerley
Rebecca J Fisher
Louise A Connell
author_sort Rich Holmes
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background The Six-Month Review (6MR) was introduced in the United Kingdom to provide a holistic, systematic review of the ongoing needs faced by stroke survivors. However, a theoretical underpinning regarding how it should work is lacking, potentially leading to wide variation in service provision. This study aimed to understand the current degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England and explore the potential driving factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey distributed to 6MR services within England. Data were collected over 12 weeks in 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the degree of variation in service delivery, and associations were explored between features of the 6MR service and contextual factors. Results Ninety-two responses were received, representing approximately 53% of 6MR services in England. Wide variation was observed in relation to service structure, content and processes, and in how outcomes, experience and effectiveness are measured. A number of significant associations were observed between features of the 6MR and contextual factors, most commonly, in relation to the provider organisation. Conclusions This study highlights the degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England. The provider organisation may be a driving factor for this variation that warrants further investigation. Future research should focus on understanding how, and under what circumstances, the 6MR works so that its effectiveness can be evaluated and best practice established.
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spelling doaj-art-4db5f896300e450a936355745ddad2192025-02-02T12:14:14ZengBMCBMC Health Services Research1472-69632025-01-0125111010.1186/s12913-025-12323-6Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in EnglandRich Holmes0Suzanne Ackerley1Rebecca J Fisher2Louise A Connell3Physiotherapy Department, St Richard’s Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation TrustLancaster UniversityStroke Programme, King’s College LondonLancaster UniversityAbstract Background The Six-Month Review (6MR) was introduced in the United Kingdom to provide a holistic, systematic review of the ongoing needs faced by stroke survivors. However, a theoretical underpinning regarding how it should work is lacking, potentially leading to wide variation in service provision. This study aimed to understand the current degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England and explore the potential driving factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey distributed to 6MR services within England. Data were collected over 12 weeks in 2023. Descriptive statistics were used to demonstrate the degree of variation in service delivery, and associations were explored between features of the 6MR service and contextual factors. Results Ninety-two responses were received, representing approximately 53% of 6MR services in England. Wide variation was observed in relation to service structure, content and processes, and in how outcomes, experience and effectiveness are measured. A number of significant associations were observed between features of the 6MR and contextual factors, most commonly, in relation to the provider organisation. Conclusions This study highlights the degree of variation in 6MR delivery across England. The provider organisation may be a driving factor for this variation that warrants further investigation. Future research should focus on understanding how, and under what circumstances, the 6MR works so that its effectiveness can be evaluated and best practice established.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12323-6Six-month reviewStroke rehabilitationLife after strokeImplementation of healthcare policyFollow-up careHealth inequality
spellingShingle Rich Holmes
Suzanne Ackerley
Rebecca J Fisher
Louise A Connell
Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
BMC Health Services Research
Six-month review
Stroke rehabilitation
Life after stroke
Implementation of healthcare policy
Follow-up care
Health inequality
title Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
title_full Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
title_fullStr Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
title_full_unstemmed Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
title_short Exploring variation in the six-month review for stroke survivors: a national survey of current practice in England
title_sort exploring variation in the six month review for stroke survivors a national survey of current practice in england
topic Six-month review
Stroke rehabilitation
Life after stroke
Implementation of healthcare policy
Follow-up care
Health inequality
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-025-12323-6
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