Sign in Subscribe
COVID-19

Quality of Care for Acute Ischemic Stroke in China During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers in China found that the quality of care for acute ischemic stroke patients was affected by the pandemic, leading to increased risk of adverse outcomes. The researchers used data from China's National Medical Quality Database to study the quality of care for AIS patients before and during the pandemic. The study found that the utilization rates for many quality indicators declined rapidly after the outbreak but later improved. However, there were significant disparities in the provision of healthcare quality, with women and older adults receiving lower quality care.

Key Takeaways:

  • The quality of care for acute ischemic stroke patients in China declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 50.06% decrease in rehabilitation quality indicator QI12.
  • The utilization rates for 10 out of 12 quality indicators and three composite indicators declined rapidly after the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • However, the quality of care later improved, with some indicators showing significant improvements.
  • There were significant disparities in the provision of healthcare quality, with women and older adults receiving lower quality care.
  • The study concluded that high-quality care is crucial to reducing the risk of adverse outcomes for AIS patients, but there is a need to address healthcare disparities.
  • The researchers used mixed-effects and interrupted time series models to compare care quality pre- and post-pandemic.
  • Utilization rates for 10 of 12 QIs and three composite indicators were compared across different age and gender groups to evaluate healthcare disparities.

Statistics:

  • 50.06% decline in rehabilitation quality indicator QI12 after the COVID-19 outbreak
  • 10 out of 12 quality indicators showed a rapid decline in utilization rates after the outbreak
  • 3 composite indicators also showed a decline in utilization rates after the outbreak
  • The quality of care improved later, with some indicators showing significant improvements
  • 15 indicators were used to gauge quality of care, featuring 12 quality indicators (QIs) and 3 composite indicators
  • The study used data from China's National Medical Quality Database spanning from January 1, 2019, to May 31, 2022

Sources:

  • "Quality of care for acute ischemic stroke in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study using a National database." BMC Public Health, 2025;25(1):2621.
  • "Researchers at Harbin Medical University Target COVID-19 (Quality of care for acute ischemic stroke in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective study using a National database)." Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, August 24, 2025; p 168.

Read more