Background To improve equity of service, in line with the aspirations of public policy across the UK, it is imperative that we understand how sociodemographic factors affect the management and care of stroke.

Aims To describe the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the epidemiology, clinical factors, diagnosis, treatment, patient experience and outcomes for people with stroke.

Methods We conducted a focused review of published literature from 2000 to 2021 looking at stroke and each of the patient protected characteristics, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010, and the relationship to epidemiology, treatment and patient outcomes. Additional patient factors such as socioeconomic status, education and employment were also explored.

Results There is plenty of evidence published exploring the relationship of stroke with age, pregnancy, race, sex and gender. There is a lack of evidence exploring that relationship with disability, gender reas- signment, marriage and civil partnership, religion and beliefs, sexual orientation, geographical variation, socioeconomic status, settlement status, education and employment.

Discussion Certain areas within stroke medicine are well researched, with cause and effect relationships established. However, there are certain protected patient characteristics with minimal/no evidence which require further research to ensure equal access for all patients to stroke care.