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 ef ficiency of stroke care in Germany are lacking. The Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deu tscher 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 registr ies aiming at a standardisation in the use of stroke terminology and method s of data collection for German stroke databases. Currently six regional st roke registries are cooperating in the ADSR, combining data from about 18 0 00 stroke patients in 110 hospitals annually. Results: In the design of the ADSR DataSet a modular approach was chosen. T he ADSR "Minimum DataSet" was adapted for a wide use in different health ca re facilities. In addition to the "Minimum DataSet" an "Advanced DataSet" w ill 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 que stions. Conclusion: The ADSR "Minimum DataSet" allows a standardised assessment of stroke care in Germany. It is the first questionnaire that provides valid a nd reliable comparisons between different clinical settings as well as regi onal stroke databases. The ADSR "Minimum DataSet" defines core items for a future National German Health Report on stroke care.