Responsibilities and characteristics of clinical coordinators in stroke: Does experience really matter?.

Background: Coordinators contribute to stroke care quality. Evidence on responsibilities and characteristics of these roles is lacking. Aim(s): To describe the responsibilities, and role characteristics of acute stroke coordinators, and determine if these vary based on perceived competency levels. Method(s): Self-administered online survey, implied consent. Coordinator role defined as non-medical professional in a clinical leadership position for acute stroke overseeing the clinical organisation and/or quality of hospital stroke services. Participants were identified from the national audit (Stroke Foundation, Australia), and snowballing methods using advertising via national associations/networks. Perceived competency was assessed using Benner's clinical competency framework (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, expert). Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Inductive thematic analyses were used for open-ended responses. Result(s): 105 clinicians in coordinator roles responded (103 hospitals; 82% response rate); 90% female, 90% registered nurses, 10% allied health. Only 36% had the title of 'stroke coordinator'. Self-perceived competency in the role varied; 22% expert (n=22), 40% proficient (n=39), 33% competent (n=32), with 5% advanced beginner (n=3) or novice (n=2). Coordinators identifying as 'expert' had greater involvement in outpatient clinics (50% vs 14%), and leadership/management responsibilities including on local (77% vs 46%) and external committees (36% vs 8%) than those reporting lesser competency. 'Knowledge of evidence', 'empowering others', and being 'credible' were more important to 'expert' coordinators. Conclusion(s):We provide novel, contemporary insights about the acute stroke coordinator role within Australia. Responsibilities and important characteristics differed based on perceived competency. This work may contribute to a formalised framework for these roles.