A Protocol for a National Prospective Multicentre Audit and Service Evaluation of Rapid-Access Transient Ischaemic Attack Clinic Attendances in the United Kingdom and Ireland

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and National Clinical Guideline for Stroke 2023 (NCGFS23) guidelines recommend specialist TIA clinic assessment within 24 hours of symptom onset of suspected TIA. There is limited evaluation of TIA clinic services in the United Kingdom (UK) and Republic of Ireland (ROI). This study aims to assess attendee characteristics, NICE/NCGFS23 adherence, and clinical outcomes across the UK and ROI.DelAys in TIA Evaluation and Service (DATES) is a prospective national audit and service evaluation delivered through an established collaborative (The Neurology and Neurosurgery Interest Group (NANSIG)). All UK and ROI outpatient rapid-access TIA clinics are eligible. All index suspected TIA presentations will be included, irrespective of final diagnosis. Centres will register as an audit/service evaluation without altering routine practice. Data will be collected electronically, with blinded independent validation. The primary outcome is adherence to the NICE/NCGFS23 recommended 24-hour target. Secondary outcomes include presenting symptoms, diagnosis, investigations, treatment, and onward referral.DATES is anticipated to be the largest prospective study presenting in-depth evaluation of UK/ROI TIA clinic attendances. Our results will provide real-world data on TIA pathways and potentially improve existing services.