[Improving the quality of stroke care in the Netherlands; registration of quality indicators is a joint responsibility]

Abstract

An article by the International Consortium of Health Outcomes Measurement, with the title 'An international standard set of patient-centered outcome measures after stroke', was published recently in the journal Stroke. In this article we reflect on this paper and its significance for the Netherlands. The authors report on an international consensus conference to establish recommendations for outcome measurement in stroke care. Indicators, measurement moments and measures were proposed, with a strong focus on patient-reported outcomes. The core measure advocated is use of the recently developed Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10-Question Short Form (PROMIS SF v1.1 Global Health; or PROMIS-10). We can appreciate this paper as support for current developments towards benchmarking in stroke rehabilitation in the Netherlands; however, we also have concerns about the administrative burden and the proposed time points and measures. Joining forces to strengthen the current efforts to establish benchmarking should be given priority in the Netherlands.