INSsPiRE
About INSsPiRE
This international network of researchers working in the specialty of non-pharmacological, non-surgical stroke secondary prevention aims to raise the scientific profile of stroke secondary prevention.
Following stroke, individuals are at increased risk of secondary stroke (approximately 25% in five years) and other cardiovascular events. To understand and advance the evidence base for non-pharmacological/non-surgical stroke secondary prevention systematic reviews with meta-analyses are required. To assist the generation of the heterogeneous data required for such meta-analyses we require empirical study data that is informed by a standardised (consensus-driven) definition of stroke secondary prevention and an agreed core set of outcomes and associated outcomes measures. These outcomes tools have yet to be developed.
In December 2015, as a result of Lawrence’s review work (2015), the international network, INSsPiRE (International Network of Stroke Secondary Prevention Researchers), was established. The network is based on a core membership, comprising stroke secondary prevention trialists. At a meeting of INSsPiRE in 2016, using an Appreciative Inquiry Technique, a programme of work was agreed upon, which included Delphi consensus work to facilitate the development of a robust, consensus-based definition of the term ‘stroke secondary prevention’, as it relates to non-pharmacological/non-surgical interventions, and an overview review (meta-review).
In December 2020 Professor Lawrence stepped down as Chair and was succeeded by Dr Olive Lennon, University College Dublin with Dr Suzie Wang, Leeds Beckett University, as Vice Chair. INSsPiRe continues to work to raise awareness of non-pharmacological/non-surgical stroke secondary prevention.
Project team
Publications
The consensus-derived definition has been published and is available here.
The overview review protocol has been published and is available here.
The review is due for completion in 2022.
An international scoping survey of stroke secondary prevention guidelines and audits has been completed and published.
