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Consensus development of components of continuity of care for stroke patients: a Delphi methodology

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Abstract

Aims

The study aimed to develop consensus on the components of continuity of care for stroke patients in the cultural context of China.

Subjects and methods

Thirteen experts were recruited purposefully to finish this study. A Delphi approach was adopted to reach consensus on the components of continuity of care, and 75% agreement was used as cutoff.

Results

Three rounds of consultation were completed. Consensus (75% agreement) was obtained on 45 of the 49 statements. The final agreed list of statements represented three domains: the structure, process and outcome of continuity of care.

Conclusions

It represents the first attempt to develop consensus on the components of continuity of care for Chinese patients with stroke. According to the established framework and components of continuity of care, health professionals can successfully implement continuity of care for stroke patients and improve the quality of care.

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Acknowledgements

We thank all the experts that consented to take part in our study. This study was funded by the Southern Medical University, grant Q2016002.

Funding

This study was funded by the Southern Medical University, grant Q2016002.

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Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lili Zhang.

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

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Headline of the contribution

It is important to establish a comprehensive stroke strategy to facilitate long-term management for stroke survivors. This study aimed to develop the components of continuity of care for stroke patients, which can improve the standard of long-term management provided to stroke survivors and best organize continuity of care services.

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Xiao, L., Gao, Y. & Zhang, L. Consensus development of components of continuity of care for stroke patients: a Delphi methodology. J Public Health (Berl.) 27, 273–279 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-018-0964-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-018-0964-y

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