'July effect' does not impact stroke outcomes, according to new study

Posted: Published on December 24th, 2014

This post was added by Dr Simmons

St. Michael's Hospital

IMAGE:'We found there was no higher rate of deaths after 30 or 90 days, no poorer greater rates of disability or loss of independence and no evidence of a July... view more

Credit: St. Michael's Hospital

TORONTO, Dec. 23, 2014 - Patients with strokes caused by blood clots -known as acute ischemic strokes- who were admitted in July had similar outcomes compared to patients admitted any other month, according to a new study. The findings challenge concerns about the possibility of lower quality of care and the potential risk of poorer outcomes in teaching hospitals when new medical residents start each July - sometimes called the "July effect."

The possibility of a July effect is more relevant and concerning for time-sensitive conditions, such as stroke, since urgency and expert management is required for treatment. Teaching hospitals treat more than half of strokes, a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, but little research has been done to verify whether there is a July effect in stroke care and patient outcomes at teaching hospitals.

"We found there was no higher rate of deaths after 30 or 90 days, no poorer greater rates of disability or loss of independence and no evidence of a July effect for stroke patients," said Dr. Gustavo Saposnik, director of the Stroke Research Centre of St. Michael's Hospital and a scientist with the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.

The multidisciplinary nature of specialized stroke care may compensate for the lack of experience among trainees.

"Stroke teams, which usually include an emergency physician's initial assessment, a neurologist, neuroradiologist, physiotherapists, occupational therapist, nurse and dietitian so the addition of new personnel may have less of an effect with strokes compared to other health issues," said Dr. Saposnik, who is also a scientist with the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's and lead author of the study.

Another possible explanation for the lack of a discernible July effect in stroke outcomes is that the impact of care is greatest immediately following a stroke and might not be noticeable at the end of a hospital stay.

"Thirty days after a stroke, any July effect may have already leveled off," said Dr. Saposnik. "More research is needed to understand the possible impact of less-experienced care during the initial moments of stroke management to be sure no July effect is at play at any point of stroke care."

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'July effect' does not impact stroke outcomes, according to new study

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