10 years on from the landmark stroke thrombectomy trials, where are we now? A qualitative study examining professional views on the implementation of endovascular treatment for ischaemic stroke in England

Objective To explore multiprofessional views about system-wide factors influencing (impeding or facilitating) the delivery of stroke mechanical thrombectomy (MT) services and/or improvements to this pathway in England. Design A pragmatic exploratory qualitative study using online focus groups and semi-structured interviews with National Health Service (NHS) professionals and those working in a stroke strategic/policy lead role. We thematically analysed the data using the Framework Approach to understand participants' views on the challenges to improving current and future MT implementation. Setting NHS trusts and other key stroke strategic/policy organisations covering 10 geographical regions in England and a national perspective. Participants A total of 29 professionals, working in an NHS clinical and managerial position and/or a stroke strategic national/regional clinical/policy lead role, participated in five focus groups and six individual semi-structured interviews between April and June 2024. Results We identified five themes relating to MT implementation progress and challenges (1) workforce, (2) clinical care pathways, (3) service/system, (4) cross-cutting theme: communications and (5) cross-cutting theme: culture. Our analysis emphasised the increasing complexity and inter-related factors shaping the emergency stroke pathway for MT provision and a need to acknowledge key people-related, organisational and sociocultural factors during service planning. Conclusions Despite the challenges and complexity, professionals were optimistic that further progress would be made with MT delivery in England. However, ongoing improvement strategies are required, which also acknowledge wider cultural factors and system-wide relationships and are not just focused on care pathways and resources.