Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

WSO BEAT STROKE Initiative

The WSO BEAT-STROKE study is designed to see if a specific educational program and teamwork between heart and brain doctors can improve how strokes are prevented, particularly those linked to heart issues. The study wants to know if doctors will be more likely to follow recommended guidelines after receiving this training and working more closely together. Many strokes are caused by heart conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF) and a small heart defect called PFO (patent foramen ovale). The goal is to ensure people who have had a stroke caused by these conditions get the best possible care to stop another one from happening. This research builds on a successful pilot project that helped doctors create better care plans and work together more effectively.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

2,400

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Stroke PFO - Patent Foramen Ovale Atrial Fibrillation (AF)

What is this study about?

This study, called the WSO BEAT-STROKE Initiative, is looking into how we can improve care for people who have had a stroke. Many strokes, particularly those known as cardioembolic strokes, are linked to heart conditions, such as an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation (AF) or a small hole in the heart (patent foramen ovale, or PFO).

The main idea behind this study is to explore if providing special training and tools to doctors, and encouraging closer teamwork between heart specialists (cardiologists) and brain specialists (neurologists), can help them apply the best advice for preventing future strokes. Following these 'best practice' guidelines is really important for reducing the risk of another stroke. This research aims to see if these efforts lead to better care for patients.

This project builds on earlier successful work, called the WSO BEAT pilot program. In that pilot, doctors in different countries worked on creating better care plans, held regular meetings to discuss patients, and had heart doctors join stroke care teams. The pilot showed that these changes were practical and helpful. Now, this new study is taking the next step to see if these kinds of educational tools and collaborations truly make a difference in how well doctors follow crucial guidelines for preventing strokes.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve stroke prevention, especially for strokes linked to heart problems.
It focuses on educating doctors and encouraging heart and brain specialists to work together.
The goal is to help doctors follow the best guidelines for preventing future strokes.
Patients are not directly given new treatments within this study, but their care could improve.
The study is built on a pilot that showed these care improvements are possible.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for a wide range of adults to take part. Generally, if you are 18 years old or older, you might be eligible.

To be considered for this study, you must have recently experienced an ischemic stroke or a 'mini-stroke' (also known as a TIA). An ischemic stroke is the most common type and happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

There are no specific reasons listed that would prevent someone from joining, other than not meeting the above criteria. The study includes all sexes.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had an ischemic stroke?
Have you recently had a 'mini-stroke' (TIA)?
Are you of any sex?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is testing an educational program for healthcare professionals rather than directly involving patients in specific treatments or procedures. Therefore, you, as a patient, would not have direct participation in terms of visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up related to the study's intervention. Your medical team, however, might be part of the hospitals participating in this study. The study looks at how your doctors' care changes because of a training program they receive, designed to improve stroke prevention. This means that if your hospital is part of the study, any changes in your care would be part of your routine medical treatment, influenced by your doctors' participation in the educational program, rather than an extra research task for you. The total duration of the study focuses on how long it takes to see if the doctors' new learning makes a difference to patient care at the hospital level.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks or benefits for patients taking part in this study, as it focuses on educating healthcare professionals rather than on specific patient treatments. However, if the educational programme proves successful, a potential benefit for patients could be improved stroke prevention and better coordinated care from their doctors in the future. As patients are not directly involved in the intervention, your right to withdraw from personal participation in a study does not directly apply, though you always have the right to discuss your overall medical care and preferences with your doctor.

Locations (1)

Heart & Brain Lab, Western University
Verified postcode
London, Canada

Common questions

What is a 'cardioembolic stroke'?

This is a type of stroke caused by a blood clot that forms in the heart and then travels to the brain, blocking blood flow.

What is Atrial Fibrillation (AF)?

AF is a common heart condition where the heart beats irregularly. This can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the heart.

What is Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO)?

A PFO is a small hole between the upper two chambers of the heart that didn't close naturally after birth. In some people, this can allow clots to pass from one side of the heart to the other and potentially to the brain.

Will I receive new medicine if my doctor is in this study?

This study is focused on educating doctors, not on giving patients new medicines as part of the research. Any changes to your medication would be based on your doctor's clinical judgement and current guidelines, not directly because of your hospital's participation in this study.

What does 'secondary stroke prevention' mean?

This means taking steps to prevent a patient from having another stroke after they've already had one.

How to find out more

Diana Ayan, Pharm MSc

diana.ayan@lhsc.on.ca 519-685-8500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.