Reader in Nursing and Learning Technology, Director of the Centre for Learning and Workforce Research in Health and Social Care

Aims: International evaluation of Early Stroke Discharge (ESD) has concentrated on measuring the impact of service provision. This research aimed to address the question, „How did the ESD team members and external stakeholders experience the service implementation process?‟ Methodology: Between October 2009 and February 2010, six team members and four external stakeholders were interviewed as part of a participatory evaluation. Interviews were used to explore the experiences of the process of inception and implementation of the team. Transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Five themes related to the experiences of the introduction of the ESD team: Setting up the team; Team working experience; Team within the context of other services and professionals; Effectiveness in achieving aims; Learning for the future. Within the themes issues relating to funding, leadership, team management and working were highlighted. Conclusions: It is clear that at the inception of a new ESD service it is crucial to engage all stakeholders in the development of the service and review the interface with existing care provision requires reviewing. Decisions regarding the management and leadership of the team and professionals within it are also required and should be guided by an understanding of the patient care pathway.