ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1161 DRIVE THROUGH ASSESSMENT OF STROKE RISK IN TAXI DRIVERS: MAKING HEALTHCARE ACCESS MORE FARE

Abstract Background and aims Taxi drivers have an increased risk of stroke. Systemic barriers including poor health education, language barriers, financial pressures, and shift-work patterns contribute to the inaccessibility of preventive healthcare. We developed and evaluated a co-designed, drive-through stroke-risk assessment service for this high-risk population in the North of England, UK. Methods A novel service delivery model was co-designed through focus groups with taxi drivers. Co-design informed logistics (timing and location), communication and promotion strategies, and the development of easy-read health information leaflets. Two drive-through health-check pilots were delivered, providing point-of-care risk assessment and personalised health advice. Results Forty-two taxi drivers attended for a health-check (mean age 48.3 years (SD 9.0)); all participants were male, and 66.7% were Pakistani. New hypertension was identified in 28.6% of participants, with a mean blood pressure of 152/93. Poor glycaemic control was identified in 50% of participants with known diabetes, and two participants had a new diagnosis of pre-diabetes. QRISK increased significantly with age, with early risk emergence in younger taxi-drivers (40-49 years) (Figure 1). Overall experience was rated as “very good” by 76% of participants, and “good” by 17%. Qualitative feedback highlighted high satisfaction with the service and staff, and a desire for more frequent health checks and follow-up appointments. Conclusions This pilot service successfully delivered an accessible and scalable drive-through health-check model for taxi drivers. Nineteen percent of participants aged under 50 years had an increased risk of stroke, demonstrating clear potential to reduce future stroke risk in a young, high-risk population. Conflict of interest All authors: nothing to disclose Figure 1 - belongs to Results