Abstract A105: Optimizing Post-Stroke Continuity of Care: Insights from Three Models of Outpatient Follow-Up

Introduction: Outpatient follow-up after stroke is essential to manage vascular risk factors and reduce recurrence, yet adherence is suboptimal. Care models vary, including physician-led, APP rapid-access, and telemedicine clinics. These approaches differ in accessibility and patient engagement, but their relative effectiveness is unclear. Comparing adherence across models and identifying predictors of attendance may inform strategies to reduce stroke recurrence. Objective: To assess adherence and predictors of follow-up in post-stroke patients across varied clinic models. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients discharged from a comprehensive stroke center in the U.S. Stroke Belt, evaluating three follow-up models: a physician-led clinic, an APP rapid-access clinic, and a hybrid telemedicine (HTM) clinic, that included both in-person or telehealth visits. Demographic and clinical data were collected from samples of consecutive patients in each model. The primary outcome was adherence to first clinic visit after discharge. Comparisons by encounter type and regression analyses were performed to explore predictors of adherence. Results: Of 1,539 stroke discharges, 1,344 (87.3%) were scheduled for follow-up (physician-led clinic, 259; APP rapid-access clinic, 149; HTM clinic, 936). Overall adherence was 64.8%, comprising 74.8% in-person visits and 25.2% telemedicine visits. The HTM clinic had the highest adherence (p