WELCOME TO THE AHEAD STUDY

The AHEAD Study: monitoring anticoagulated patients who suffer head injury

Funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit programme, the study is a prospective multi-site study exploring the clinical outcomes and management of anticoagulated patients (prescribed Warfarin) who suffer head injury.  Up to 30 hospital sites across the United Kingdom with Type 1 Emergency Departments (ED) are expected to participate, and help recruit approximately 3,000 patients over a 12 month period.

There is a lack of evidence on the most appropriate management of this group of patients, and current practice varies across health communities.  Better evidence is required to determine the range and frequency of patient outcomes, and the clinical, and cost-effectiveness of existing management strategies.

The study will aim to determine the incidence of clinically significant complications and examine the clinical and cost outcomes following head injury in anticoagulated patients.  Additionally, experiences and satisfaction with care of this patient group will be evaluated.

The study now has multi-centre ethical approval and is aiming to recruit participants from October 2011.

Sheffield School of Health and Related Research
University of Sheffield
Regent Court
30 Regent Street
Sheffield
S1 4DA

Tel: +44 (0)114 2222981
Email: ahead@sheffield.ac.uk