Monitoring quality of stroke care in Germany:: the minimum DataSet of the German Stroke Registries Study Group (ADSR)

Background and purpose: Comparable, standardised data on the quality and efficiency of stroke care in Germany are lacking. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Schlaganfall-Register (ADSR - German Stroke Registries Study Group) has defined a Minimum DataSet for the evaluation of quality indicators of stroke treatment in Germany. Methods: The ADSR is a voluntary network of current regional stroke registries aiming at a standardisation in the use of stroke terminology and methods of data collection for German stroke databases. Currently six regional stroke registries are cooperating in the ADSR, combining data from about 18 000 stroke patients in 110 hospitals annually. Results: In the design of the ADSR DataSet a modular approach was chosen. The ADSR Minimum DataSet was adapted for a wide use in different health care facilities. In addition to the Minimum DataSet an Advanced DataSet will be developed to document additional items of stroke care in specialised stroke centres. The ADSR DataSet collection will be completed by special Extended DataSets, designed for answering centre-specific and research questions. Conclusion: The ADSR Minimum DataSet allows a standardised assessment of stroke care in Germany. It is the first questionnaire that provides valid and reliable comparisons between different clinical settings as well as regional stroke databases. The ADSR Minimum DataSet defines core items for a future National German Health Report on stroke care.