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Tokunboh I, Sung EM, Chatfield F, Gaines N, Nour M, Starkman S, Saver JL. Improving Visualization Methods of Utility-Weighted Disability Outcomes for Stroke Trials. Front Neurol 2022; 13:875350. [PMID: 35645952 PMCID: PMC9136165 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.875350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is the most common endpoint in acute stroke trials, but its power is limited when analyzed dichotomously and its indication of effect size is challenging to interpret when analyzed ordinally. To address these issues, the utility-weighted-mRS (UW-mRS) has been developed as a patient-centered, linear scale. However, appropriate data visualizations of UW-mRS results are needed, as current stacked bar chart displays do not convey crucial utility-weighting information. Design/Methods Two UW-mRS display formats were devised: (1) Utility Staircase charts, and (2) choropleth-stacked-bar-charts (CSBCs). In Utility Staircase displays, mRS segment height reflects the utility value of each mRS level. In CSBCs, mRS segment color intensity reflects the utility of each mRS level. Utility Staircase and CSBC figures were generated for 15 randomized comparisons of acute ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke therapies, including fibrinolysis, endovascular reperfusion, blood pressure moderation, and hemicraniectomy. Display accuracy in showing utility outcomes was assessed with the Tufte-lie-factor and ease-of-use assessed by formal ratings completed by a panel of 4 neurologists and emergency physicians and one nurse-coordinator. Results The Utility Staircase and CSBC displays rapidly conveyed patient-centered valuation of trial outcome distributions not available in conventional ordinal stacked bar charts. Tufte-lie-factor (LF) scores indicated "substantial distortion" of utility-valued outcomes for 93% (14/15) of conventional stacked bar charts, vs. "no distortion" for all Utility Staircase and CSBC displays. Clinician ratings on the Figural Display Questionnaire indicated that utility information encoded in row height (Utility Staircase display) was more readily assimilated than that conveyed in segment hue intensity (CSBC), both superior to conventional stacked bar charts. Conclusions Utility Staircase displays are an efficient graphical format for conveying utility weighted-modified Rankin Scale primary endpoint results of acute stroke trials, and choropleth-stacked-bar-charts a good alternative. Both are more accurate in depicting quantitative, health-related quality of life results and preferred by clinician users for utility results visualization, compared with conventional stacked bar charts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivie Tokunboh
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Eleanor Mina Sung
- Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Fiona Chatfield
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nathan Gaines
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - May Nour
- Department of Neurology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sidney Starkman
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey L. Saver
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Winders WT, Garbern SC, Bills CB, Relan P, Schultz ML, Trehan I, Kivlehan SM, Becker TK, McQuillan R. The effects of mobile health on emergency care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04023. [PMID: 33828846 PMCID: PMC8021077 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-constrained settings, mobile health (mHealth) has varied applications. While there is strong evidence for its use in chronic disease management, the applications of mHealth for management of acute illness in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are not as well described. This review systematically explores current available evidence on the effectiveness of mHealth interventions at improving health outcomes in emergency care settings in LMICs. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, utilizing seven electronic databases and manual searches to identify peer-reviewed literature containing each of three search elements: mHealth, emergency care (EC), and LMICs. Articles quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. RESULTS After removing duplicates, 6498 studies met initial search criteria; 108 were eligible for full text review and 46 met criteria for inclusion. Thirty-six pertained to routine emergency care, and 10 involved complex humanitarian emergencies. Based on the GRADE criteria, 15 studies were rated as "Very Low" quality, 24 as "Low" quality, 6 as "Moderate" quality, and 1 as "High" quality. Eight studied data collection, 9 studied decision support, 15 studied direct patient care, and 14 studied health training. All 46 studies reported positive impacts of mHealth on EC in LMICs. CONCLUSIONS Mobile health interventions can be effective in improving provider-focused and patient-centered outcomes in both routine and complex EC settings. Future investigations focusing on patient-centered outcomes are needed to further validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Tyler Winders
- School of Public Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Stephanie C Garbern
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Corey B Bills
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Pryanka Relan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory Healthcare Network, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megan L Schultz
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Indi Trehan
- Departments of Pediatrics and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sean M Kivlehan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Torben K Becker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ruth McQuillan
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Domingues RB, Mantese CE, Aquino EDS, Fantini FGMM, Prado GFD, Nitrini R. Telemedicine in neurology: current evidence. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:818-826. [PMID: 33295422 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine was first introduced in Neurology as a tool to facilitate access to acute stroke treatment. More recently, evidence has emerged of the use of telemedicine in several other areas of Neurology. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social isolation, Brazilian authorities have expanded the regulation of the use of telemedicine, thus allowing the treatment of many patients with neurological diseases to be conducted with less risk of SARS-CoV-2 contamination. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to critically review the current evidence of the use, efficacy, safety, and usefulness of telemedicine in Neurology. METHODS A review of PubMed indexed articles was carried out by searching for the terms "telemedicine AND": "headache", "multiple sclerosis", "vestibular disorders", "cerebrovascular diseases", "epilepsy", "neuromuscular diseases", "dementia", and "movement disorders". The more relevant studies in each of these areas were critically analyzed. RESULTS Several articles were found and analyzed in each of these areas of Neurology. The main described contributions of telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of such neurological conditions were presented, indicating a great potential of use of this type of assistance in all these fields. CONCLUSION Current evidence supports that teleneurology can be a tool to increase care for patients suffering from neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Barros Domingues
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Mantese
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Mãe de Deus, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle da Silva Aquino
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gilmar Fernandes do Prado
- Diretoria Executiva, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Diretoria Científica, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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4
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Hasnain MG, Attia JR, Akter S, Rahman T, Hall A, Hubbard IJ, Levi CR, Paul CL. Effectiveness of interventions to improve rates of intravenous thrombolysis using behaviour change wheel functions: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Implement Sci 2020; 15:98. [PMID: 33148294 PMCID: PMC7641813 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-020-01054-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being one of the few evidence-based treatments for acute ischemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis has low implementation rates-mainly due to a narrow therapeutic window and the health system changes required to deliver it within the recommended time. This systematic review and meta-analyses explores the differential effectiveness of intervention strategies aimed at improving the rates of intravenous thrombolysis based on the number and type of behaviour change wheel functions employed. METHOD The following databases were searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS. Multiple authors independently completed study selection and extraction of data. The review included studies that investigated the effects of intervention strategies aimed at improving the rates of intravenous thrombolysis and/or onset-to-needle, onset-to-door and door-to-needle time for thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Interventions were coded according to the behaviour change wheel nomenclature. Study quality was assessed using the QualSyst scoring system for quantitative research methodologies. Random effects meta-analyses were used to examine effectiveness of interventions based on the behaviour change wheel model in improving rates of thrombolysis, while meta-regression was used to examine the association between the number of behaviour change wheel intervention strategies and intervention effectiveness. RESULTS Results from 77 studies were included. Five behaviour change wheel interventions, 'Education', 'Persuasion', 'Training', 'Environmental restructuring' and 'Enablement', were found to be employed among the included studies. Effects were similar across all intervention approaches regardless of type or number of behaviour change wheel-based strategies employed. High heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) was observed for all the pooled analyses. Publication bias was also identified. CONCLUSION There was no evidence for preferring one type of behaviour change intervention strategy, nor for including multiple strategies in improving thrombolysis rates. However, the study results should be interpreted with caution, as they display high heterogeneity and publication bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Golam Hasnain
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
| | - John R. Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
- John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
| | - Shahinoor Akter
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
- Department of Anthropology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tabassum Rahman
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Development, Economics and Sustainability, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Alix Hall
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
| | - Isobel J. Hubbard
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
| | - Christopher R. Levi
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
- The Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research & Enterprise (SPHERE), Liverpool, New South Wales Australia
| | - Christine L. Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Newcastle (UoN), Callaghan, New South Wales Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, New South Wales Australia
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5
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Lazarus G, Permana AP, Nugroho SW, Audrey J, Wijaya DN, Widyahening IS. Telestroke strategies to enhance acute stroke management in rural settings: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01787. [PMID: 32812380 PMCID: PMC7559631 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential of telestroke implementation in resource-limited areas has yet to be systematically evaluated. This study aims to investigate the implementation of telestroke on acute stroke care in rural areas. METHODS Eligible studies published up to November 2019 were included in this study. Randomized trials were further evaluated for risk of bias with Cochrane RoB 2, while nonrandomized studies with ROBINS-I tool. Random effects model was utilized to estimate effect sizes, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. RESULTS The search yielded 19 studies involving a total of 28,496 subjects, comprising of prehospital and in-hospital telestroke interventions in the form of mobile stroke units and hub-and-spoke hospitals network, respectively. Telestroke successfully increased the proportion of patients treated ≤3 hr (OR 2.15; 95% CI 1.37-3.40; I2 = 0%) and better three-month functional outcome (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.63; I2 = 44%) without increasing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rate (OR 1.27; 0.65-2.49; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, telestroke was also associated with shorter onset-to-treatment time (mean difference -27.97 min; 95% CI -35.51, -20.42; I2 = 63%) and lower in-hospital mortality rate (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.52-0.87; I2 = 0%). GRADE assessments yielded low-to-moderate certainty of body evidences. CONCLUSION Telestroke implementation in rural areas was associated with better clinical outcomes as compared to usual care. Its integration in both prehospital and in-hospital settings could help optimize emergency stroke approach. Further studies with higher-level evidence are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilbert Lazarus
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Affan Priyambodo Permana
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Setyo Widi Nugroho
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Jessica Audrey
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Indah Suci Widyahening
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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6
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Bhaskar S, Bradley S, Chattu VK, Adisesh A, Nurtazina A, Kyrykbayeva S, Sakhamuri S, Moguilner S, Pandya S, Schroeder S, Banach M, Ray D. Telemedicine as the New Outpatient Clinic Gone Digital: Position Paper From the Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) International Consortium (Part 2). Front Public Health 2020; 8:410. [PMID: 33014958 PMCID: PMC7505101 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Technology has acted as a great enabler of patient continuity through remote consultation, ongoing monitoring, and patient education using telephone and videoconferencing in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era. The devastating impact of COVID-19 is bound to prevail beyond its current reign. The vulnerable sections of our community, including the elderly, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, those with multiple comorbidities, and immunocompromised patients, endure a relatively higher burden of a pandemic such as COVID-19. The rapid adoption of different technologies across countries, driven by the need to provide continued medical care in the era of social distancing, has catalyzed the penetration of telemedicine. Limiting the exposure of patients, healthcare workers, and systems is critical in controlling the viral spread. Telemedicine offers an opportunity to improve health systems delivery, access, and efficiency. This article critically examines the current telemedicine landscape and challenges in its adoption, toward remote/tele-delivery of care, across various medical specialties. The current consortium provides a roadmap and/or framework, along with recommendations, for telemedicine uptake and implementation in clinical practice during and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonu Bhaskar
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital and South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neurovascular Imaging Laboratory & NSW Brain Clot Bank, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,South Western Sydney Clinical School, The University of New South Wales, UNSW Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sian Bradley
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Medicine Sydney, South West Sydney Clinical School, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anil Adisesh
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alma Nurtazina
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Saltanat Kyrykbayeva
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Sateesh Sakhamuri
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Sebastian Moguilner
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shawna Pandya
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Alberta Health Services and Project PoSSUM, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Starr Schroeder
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital and Project PoSSUM, Lancaster, PA, United States
| | - Maciej Banach
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Łódz, Poland.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland.,Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Łódz, Poland
| | - Daniel Ray
- Pandemic Health System REsilience PROGRAM (REPROGRAM) Consortium, REPROGRAM Telemedicine Sub-committee, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Farr Institute of Health Informatics, University College London (UCL) & NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Huang Q, Zhang JZ, Xu WD, Wu J. Generalization of the right acute stroke promotive strategies in reducing delays of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11205. [PMID: 29924046 PMCID: PMC6024468 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The generalization of successful efforts for reducing time delays in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) could help facilitate its utility and benefits in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for articles reporting interventions to reduce time delays in IVT, published between January 1995 and September 2017. The IVT rate was chosen as the primary outcome, while the compliance rates of onset-to-door time (prehospital delay) and door-to-needle time (in-hospital delay) within the targeted time frame were the secondary outcomes. Interventions designed to reduce prehospital, in-hospital, or total time delays were quantitatively described in meta-analyses. The efficacy of postintervention improvement was illustrated as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).In total, 86 papers (17 on prehospital, 56 on in-hospital, and 13 on total delay) encompassing 17,665 IVT cases were enrolled, including 28 American, 23 Asian, 30 European, and 5 Australian studies. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in promoting IVT delivery after prehospital improvement interventions with an OR of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.23-1.71) for the new transportation protocol, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.11-1.73) for educational and training programs, and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.44-2.32) for comprehensive prehospital stroke code. The benefits of reducing in-hospital delay were much greater in developed western countries than in Asian countries, with ORs of 2.90 (95% CI, 2.51-3.34), 2.17 (95% CI, 1.95-2.41), and 1.89 (95% CI, 1.74-2.04) in American, European, and Asian countries, respectively. And telemedicine (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 2.08-2.46) seemed to work better than pre-notification alone (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.74-2.17) and in-hospital organizational improvement programs (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.97-2.23). Mobile stroke treatment unit and use of a comprehensive stroke pathway in the pre- and in-hospital settings significantly increased IVT rates by reducing total time delay, with ORs of 2.01 (95% CI, 1.60-2.51) and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.55-2.03), respectively.Optimization of the work flow with organizational improvement or novel technology could dramatically reduce pre- and in-hospital time delays of IVT in AIS. This study provided detailed information on the net and quantitative benefits of various programs for reducing time delays to facilitate the generalization of appropriate AIS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jing-ze Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Wen-deng Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
- Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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Moreno A, Schwamm LH, Siddiqui KA, Viswanathan A, Whitney C, Rost N, Zachrison KS. Frequent Hub-Spoke Contact Is Associated with Improved Spoke Hospital Performance: Results from the Massachusetts General Hospital Telestroke Network. Telemed J E Health 2017; 24:678-683. [PMID: 29271703 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2017.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For acute ischemic stroke patients, shorter time to thrombolytic (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]) is associated with improved outcomes. INTRODUCTION Telestroke increases tPA use at spoke hospitals, yet its effect on door-to-needle (DTN) times for tPA administration is unknown. We hypothesize that spoke hospitals with more frequent contact to a hub hospital will have shorter DTN times than those with less frequent contact. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified 375 patients treated with tPA by conventional or telestroke methods in an academic hub-and-spoke telestroke network for whom date and time data were available. Strength of the spoke-hub connection was the primary predictor variable, defined as the number of all telestroke consults (tPA and non-tPA) done at each spoke hospital during the year of the patient's presentation. Patient-level regression analyses examined the relationship between DTN time and spoke-hub connection during the year of the patient's presentation, controlling for temporal trends and clustering within hospitals. RESULTS Sixteen spoke hospitals contributed data on 375 tPA-treated patients from 2006-2015. Hospitals treated a median of 13.5 patients with tPA per year; median hospital-level DTN was 78.8 min (interquartile range [IQR] 71.3-85). Median number of telestroke consults per year was 34 (range 3-137). Among all 375 patients, median DTN was 76 min (IQR 60-97). Strength of spoke-hub connection was significantly associated with faster DTN time for patients (1.3 min gain per 10 additional consults, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS More frequent contact between a telestroke spoke and its hub was associated with faster tPA delivery for patients, even after accounting for secular trends in DTN improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee H Schwamm
- 2 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Khawja A Siddiqui
- 3 Department of Neurology, Baylor School of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Anand Viswanathan
- 2 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cynthia Whitney
- 2 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natalia Rost
- 2 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kori Sauser Zachrison
- 4 Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
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9
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Wechsler LR, Demaerschalk BM, Schwamm LH, Adeoye OM, Audebert HJ, Fanale CV, Hess DC, Majersik JJ, Nystrom KV, Reeves MJ, Rosamond WD, Switzer JA. Telemedicine Quality and Outcomes in Stroke: A Scientific Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke 2016; 48:e3-e25. [PMID: 27811332 DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Telestroke is one of the most frequently used and rapidly expanding applications of telemedicine, delivering much-needed stroke expertise to hospitals and patients. This document reviews the current status of telestroke and suggests measures for ongoing quality and outcome monitoring to improve performance and to enhance delivery of care. METHODS A literature search was undertaken to examine the current status of telestroke and relevant quality indicators. The members of the writing committee contributed to the review of specific quality and outcome measures with specific suggestions for metrics in telestroke networks. The drafts were circulated and revised by all committee members, and suggestions were discussed for consensus. RESULTS Models of telestroke and the role of telestroke in stroke systems of care are reviewed. A brief description of the science of quality monitoring and prior experience in quality measures for stroke is provided. Process measures, outcomes, tissue-type plasminogen activator use, patient and provider satisfaction, and telestroke technology are reviewed, and suggestions are provided for quality metrics. Additional topics include licensing, credentialing, training, and documentation.
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10
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Yuan Z, Wang B, Li F, Wang J, Zhi J, Luo E, Liu Z, Zhao G. Intravenous thrombolysis guided by a telemedicine consultation system for acute ischaemic stroke patients in China: the protocol of a multicentre historically controlled study. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e006704. [PMID: 25979867 PMCID: PMC4442242 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rate of intravenous thrombolysis with tissue-type plasminogen activator or urokinase for stroke patients is extremely low in China. It has been demonstrated that a telestroke service may help to increase the rate of intravenous thrombolysis and improve stroke care quality in local hospitals. The aim of this study, also called the Acute Stroke Advancing Program, is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of decision-making concerning intravenous thrombolysis via a telemedicine consultation system for acute ischaemic stroke patients in China. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multicentre historically controlled study with a planned enrolment of 300 participants in each of two groups. The telestroke network consists of one hub hospital and 14 spoke hospitals in underserved regions of China. The usual stroke care quality in the spoke hospitals without guidance from the hub hospital will be used as the historical control. The telemedicine consultation system is an interactive, two-way, wireless, audiovisual system accessed on portable devices. The primary outcome is the percentage of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis within 4.5 h of stroke onset. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The project has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Xijing Hospital. The results will be published in scientific journals and presented to local government and relevant institutes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02088346 (12 March 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Feijiang Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Jin Zhi
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Erping Luo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Zhirong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xìan, China
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11
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Hubert GJ, Müller-Barna P, Audebert HJ. Recent advances in TeleStroke: a systematic review on applications in prehospital management and Stroke Unit treatment or TeleStroke networking in developing countries. Int J Stroke 2014; 9:968-73. [PMID: 25381687 DOI: 10.1111/ijs.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
TeleStroke has become an increasing means to overcome shortage of stroke expertise in underserved areas. This rapidly growing field has triggered a large amount of publications in recent years. We aimed to analyze recent advances in the field of telemedicine for acute stroke, with main focus on prehospital management, Stroke Unit treatment and network implementations in developing countries. Out of 260 articles, 25 were selected for this systematic review: 9 regarding prehospital management, 14 regarding Stroke Unit treatment and 2 describing a network in developing countries. Prehospital management showed that stroke recognition can start at the dispatch emergency call, important clinical information can be electronically transmitted to hospitals before admission and even acute treatment such as thrombolysis can be initiated in the prehospital field if ambulances are equipped with CT scan and point-of-care laboratory. Articles on remote clinical examination, telemedical imaging interpretation, trial recruitment and cost-effectiveness described various aspects of Stroke Unit treatment within TeleStroke networks, underlining reliability, safety and cost savings of these systems of care. Only one network was described to have been implemented in a developing/emerging nation. TeleStroke is a growing field expanding its focus to a broader spectrum of stroke care. It still seems to be underused, particularly in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordian J Hubert
- Gordian Hubert, Städtisches Klinikum München GmbH, Klinikum Harlaching, Neurology - TEMPiS, Munich, Germany
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12
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Intravenous Thrombolysis in Thai Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Role of Aging. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2013; 22:227-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2011.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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13
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Demchuk AM, Bal S. Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischaemic stroke: what can we do to improve outcomes? Drugs 2012; 72:1833-45. [PMID: 22934797 DOI: 10.2165/11635740-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Constant efforts are being made in the stroke community to aim for maximum benefit from thrombolytic therapy since the approval of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; alteplase) for the management of acute ischaemic stroke. However, fear of symptomatic haemorrhage secondary to thrombolytic therapy has been a major concern for treating physicians. Certain imaging and clinical variables may help guide the clinician towards better treatment decision making. Aggressive management of some predictive variables that have been shown to be surrogate outcome measures has been related to better clinical outcomes. Achieving faster, safer and complete recanalization with evolving endovascular techniques is routinely practiced to achieve better clinical outcomes. Selection of an 'ideal candidate' for thrombolysis can maximize functional outcomes in these patients. Although speed and safety are the key factors in acute management of stroke patients, there must also be a systematic and organized pattern to assist the stroke physician in making decisions to select the 'ideal candidate' for treatment to maximize results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Demchuk
- Calgary Stroke Program, Departments of Clinical Neurosciences and Radiology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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14
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Lahr MMH, Luijckx GJ, Vroomen PCAJ, van der Zee DJ, Buskens E. The chain of care enabling tPA treatment in acute ischemic stroke: a comprehensive review of organisational models. J Neurol 2012; 260:960-8. [PMID: 22915092 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-012-6647-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Protracted and partial implementation of treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) within 4.5 h after acute stroke onset results in potentially eligible patients not receiving optimal treatment. The goal of this study was to review the performance of various organisational models of acute stroke care delivery, and subsequent attempts to improve implementation of tPA treatment. Publications comprehensively reporting on organisational models to improve implementation of i.v. tPA treatment of acute ischemic stroke patients were selected. The efficacy of organisational models was assessed using process outcome measures: thrombolysis rates, time-dependent operational endpoints (time delays), functional outcomes: safety (rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, mortality rates) and clinical outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale). Fifty-eight published studies assessing organisational models were identified. Four dominant models of acute stroke care delivery were discerned, i.e., primary and comprehensive stroke centres, telemedicine, and the mobile stroke unit. Performance reported for these models suggest a large variation in administration of thrombolytic therapy (0.7-30 %). Time delays and functional outcomes found varied considerably, just like safety and mortality (0.0-11.5 %, and 3.4-31.9 %, respectively). These findings suggest that improving organisational models for tPA treatment may improve acute stroke care. However, implementation may be hampered by regional variation in acute stroke care capacity, expertise, and a fragmented approach towards organising stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten M H Lahr
- Department of Neurology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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15
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Use of telemedicine and other strategies to increase the number of patients that may be treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2012; 12:10-6. [PMID: 21997715 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-011-0235-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the fourth leading killer in the United States and a leading cause of adult long-term disability. The American Heart Association estimates that only 3% to 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke are treated with intravenous thrombolysis. A way to improve the rates of treatment with thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke is the creation of telemedicine stroke networks. Data from many studies support the safety of expanding intravenous tissue plasminogen activator use with the help of telemedicine. In this article we discuss the current evidence for the use of telemedicine within stroke systems of care, the importance of coordinating care within the transferring facilities in the telestroke networks, telestroke economics and applicability, and how to potentially use the telestroke systems to increase recruitment of patients into acute stroke thrombolysis trials.
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Dharmasaroja PA, Muengtaweepongsa S, Pattaraarchachai J, Dharmasaroja P. Intracerebral hemorrhage following intravenous thrombolysis in Thai patients with acute ischemic stroke. J Clin Neurosci 2012; 19:799-803. [PMID: 22472785 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2011.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In Asia, there is limited information regarding symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients treated with intravenous (iv) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). The aim of this study was to identify independent factors associated with symptomatic ICH following iv rtPA. The study included 192 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were treated with iv rtPA. Baseline characteristics were compared between patients with or without ICH. Symptomatic ICH occurred in 5.7% of patients and asymptomatic ICH in 13.0% of patients. An international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.0 (odds ratio [OR]=4.89, p=0.036), atrial fibrillation (OR=7.21, p=0.009) and blood glucose concentration >8.325 mmol/L (OR=9.00, p=0.004), were independent risk factors for symptomatic ICH. Atrial fibrillation (OR=3.56, p=0.012) and severe stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥15; OR=8.94, p<0.001) were independent risk factors for asymptomatic ICH. The prevalence of symptomatic ICH following iv rtPA in Thai patients was comparable to previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pornpatr A Dharmasaroja
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
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Teleneurology: is it really at a distance? J Neurol 2011; 258:971-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-011-5920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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