ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1560 POST-STROKE REVIEWS AND NON-ATTENDANCE: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL AUDIT DATA

Abstract Background and aims Post-stroke reviews are key to support patients in their lives after stroke but attendance tends to vary. It is important to understand which patients do not attend to help tailor more inclusive and responsive stroke care services. The aim of this exploratory study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke-survivors who did not attend their follow-ups and to explore how their inpatient and post-discharge care differed. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (January 2013 to August 2023). Attendance at 6-month post-stroke reviews were classified into attended, defaulted, not indicated or died. Multinomial logistic regression with cluster-robust standard errors were used at the hospital level to examine associations between patient characteristics, inpatient care, discharge pathway, and follow-up attendance. Results In non-attenders, 30% defaulted, 18% had no indication for review, and 8% died. Older adults were over 50 times more likely to miss follow-up than those under 40. Women were more likely to default or die before review. When compared to white patients, ethnic minority patients were significantly less likely to default or die. Non-attenders had poorer inpatient stroke care, including delayed assessments and higher rates of complications. Patients who were discharged with structured community or early supported discharge services were more likely to attend follow-up. Conclusions Non-attendance is more common in older, more disabled patients and varies dependent upon the discharge pathway. Services must be resourced to provide early, integrated post-stroke care, particularly for those at high risk of disengagement. Conflict of interest Nothing to disclose for all aithors