We would like to express our thanks to hospitals, community providers, and ambulance trusts for their continued participation in SSNAP. Your commitment to the audit ensures the availability of high-quality, robust data that can drive improvements in stroke services. 
 

As SSNAP evolves, we continuously review the burden of data entry to ensure a balance between administrative effort and the usefulness of the collected data. Our aim is to streamline processes while maintaining the integrity and impact of the outputs. 
 

The clinical audit dataset is designed to compare care delivery against evidence-based standards established by the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party. All collected data is reported back and included in the full results portfolio. To enhance transparency and usability, we provide a document outlining the location of each data item within the portfolio, the items used to calculate key metrics, and the evidence behind key metrics. SSNAP-metrics-and-data-fields
 

The dataset consists mainly of closed questions and date/time fields, avoiding time-consuming free-text inputs. The dataset can be accessed by multiple approved staff at each trust, allowing flexible working for each trust. Our bespoke data entry tool is designed to optimise efficiency with built-in validations and prompts to ensure logical consistency. A "locking" system minimises the time spent on sign-off, while status indicators such as complete, incomplete, or locked clearly highlight records that need attention. Online reports, which will be reintroduced over the coming months, will help users identify records requiring action, such as locking, transferring, or six-month follow-up. 
 

SSNAP allows teams to export data for internal use, enabling them to identify and rectify errors, monitor quality improvement initiatives, and run bespoke analyses using their own tools or SSNAP-provided DIY tools. A key indicator dashboard will be reintroduced within the coming months, displaying individual patient performance against 72-hour metrics. This will allow users to gain real-time insights, identify gaps, and rectify errors efficiently. 
 

Acute hospitals have the capability to import data for large numbers of records at once rather than entering data manually. The imported data is validated against the same rules as with manual data entry, and records can be saved and locked in bulk, reducing the need for manual intervention. Ambulance trusts have a similar capability, and a function for community providers to import data is currently in development. Comprehensive guides, import specifications, and troubleshooting support are available through the SSNAP helpdesk. 
 

To assist with data entry, SSNAP provides helpdesk support via phone and email, as well as guidance documents and instructional videos. Comprehensive help notes are available in PDF format and alongside each webtool question. 
 

The new organisational audits, running twice a year, are designed with minimal administrative burden in mind. They follow a streamlined process with no free-text fields, featuring closed questions with predefined answer options. Users will not need to re-complete the entire proforma each round, while still maintaining the ability to export and compare data from previous rounds. 
 

By continuously refining our processes, SSNAP remains committed to reducing data entry burdens while ensuring high-quality, impactful stroke care data.