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Ookeditse O, Ookeditse KK, Motswakadikgwa TR, Masilo G, Bogatsu Y, Lekobe BC, Mosepele M, Schirmer H, Johnsen SH. Public and outpatients’ awareness of calling emergency medical services immediately by acute stroke in an upper middle-income country: a cross-sectional questionnaire study in greater Gaborone, Botswana. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:347. [PMID: 36104670 PMCID: PMC9472421 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02859-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In this cross-sectional study from Botswana, we investigated awareness of calling emergency medical services (EMS) and seeking immediate medical assistance by acute stroke among stroke risk outpatients and public. Method Closed-ended questionnaires on awareness of calling EMS and seeking immediate medical assistance by acute stroke, were administered by research assistants to a representative selection of outpatients and public. Results The response rate was 96.0% (93.0% for public (2013) and 96.6% for outpatients (795)). Public respondents had mean age of 36.1 ± 14.5 years (age range 18–90 years) and 54.5% were females, while outpatients had mean age of 37.4 ± 12.7 years (age range 18–80 years) and 58.1% were females. Awareness of calling EMS (78.3%), and of seeking immediate medical assistance (93.1%) by stroke attack was adequate. For calling EMS by acute stroke, outpatients had higher awareness than the public (p < 0.05) among those with unhealthy diet (90.9% vs 71.1%), family history of both stroke and heart diseases (90.7% vs 61.2%), no history of psychiatric diseases (93.2% vs 76.0%) and sedentary lifestyle (87.5% vs 74.8%). Predictors of low awareness of both calling EMS and seeking immediate medical assistance were no medical insurance, residing/working together, history of psychiatric diseases, and normal weight. Male gender, ≥50 years age, primary education, family history of both stroke and heart diseases, current smoking, no history of HIV/AIDS, and light physical activity were predictors of low awareness of need for calling EMS. Conclusion Results call for educational campaigns on awareness of calling EMS and seeking immediate medical assistance among those with high risk factor levels. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02859-z. • This is the first study comparing awareness of calling EMS among outpatients and public in sub-Saharan Africa • Awareness of calling EMS or seeking immediate medical services by acute stroke was adequate among both outpatients and public • Predictors of low awareness of both calling EMS and seeking immediate medical assistance were no medical insurance, residing/working together, history of psychiatric diseases, and normal weight • Results call for educational campaigns on awareness of calling EMS/ seeking immediate medical assistance by stroke.
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Pulvers JN, Watson JDG. If Time Is Brain Where Is the Improvement in Prehospital Time after Stroke? Front Neurol 2017. [PMID: 29209269 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00617/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of thrombolytic and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke, many patients are ineligible due to delayed hospital arrival. The identification of factors related to either early or delayed hospital arrival may reveal potential targets of intervention to reduce prehospital delay and improve access to time-critical thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy. Here, we have reviewed studies reporting on factors associated with either early or delayed hospital arrival after stroke, together with an analysis of stroke onset to hospital arrival times. Much effort in the stroke treatment community has been devoted to reducing door-to-needle times with encouraging improvements. However, this review has revealed that the median onset-to-door times and the percentage of stroke patients arriving before the logistically critical 3 h have shown little improvement in the past two decades. Major factors affecting prehospital time were related to emergency medical pathways, stroke symptomatology, patient and bystander behavior, patient health characteristics, and stroke treatment awareness. Interventions addressing these factors may prove effective in reducing prehospital delay, allowing prompt diagnosis, which in turn may increase the rates and/or efficacy of acute treatments such as thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy and thereby improve stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Pulvers
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
| | - John D G Watson
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
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Pulvers JN, Watson JDG. If Time Is Brain Where Is the Improvement in Prehospital Time after Stroke? Front Neurol 2017; 8:617. [PMID: 29209269 PMCID: PMC5701972 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2017.00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of thrombolytic and endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke, many patients are ineligible due to delayed hospital arrival. The identification of factors related to either early or delayed hospital arrival may reveal potential targets of intervention to reduce prehospital delay and improve access to time-critical thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy. Here, we have reviewed studies reporting on factors associated with either early or delayed hospital arrival after stroke, together with an analysis of stroke onset to hospital arrival times. Much effort in the stroke treatment community has been devoted to reducing door-to-needle times with encouraging improvements. However, this review has revealed that the median onset-to-door times and the percentage of stroke patients arriving before the logistically critical 3 h have shown little improvement in the past two decades. Major factors affecting prehospital time were related to emergency medical pathways, stroke symptomatology, patient and bystander behavior, patient health characteristics, and stroke treatment awareness. Interventions addressing these factors may prove effective in reducing prehospital delay, allowing prompt diagnosis, which in turn may increase the rates and/or efficacy of acute treatments such as thrombolysis and clot retrieval therapy and thereby improve stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy N Pulvers
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
| | - John D G Watson
- Sydney Adventist Hospital Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Wahroonga, NSW, Australia
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Buja A, Toffanin R, Rigon S, Sandonà P, Carrara T, Damiani G, Baldo V. Determinants of out-of-hours service users' potentially inappropriate referral or non-referral to an emergency department: a retrospective cohort study in a local health authority, Veneto Region, Italy. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011526. [PMID: 27503862 PMCID: PMC4985918 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing presence of inappropriate patients has been recognised as one of the main factors influencing emergency department (ED) overcrowding, which is a very widespread problem all over the world. On the other hand, out-of-hours (OOH) physicians must avoid delaying the diagnostic and therapeutic course of patients with urgent medical conditions. The aim of this study was to analyse the appropriateness of patient management by OOH services, in terms of their potentially inappropriate referral or non-referral of non-emergency cases to the ED. METHODS This was an observational retrospective cohort study based on data collected in 2011 by the local health authority No. 4 in the Veneto Region (Italy). After distinguishing between patients contacting the OOH service who were or were not referred to the ED, and checking for patients actually presenting to the ED within 24 hours thereafter, these patients' medical management was judged as potentially appropriate or inappropriate. RESULTS The analysis considered 22 662 OOH service contacts recorded in 2011. The cases of potentially inappropriate non-referral to the ED were 392 (1.7% of all contacts), as opposed to 1207 potentially inappropriate referrals (5.3% of all contacts). Age, nationality, type of disease and type of intervention by the OOH service were the main variables associated with the appropriateness of patient management. CONCLUSIONS These findings may be useful for pinpointing the factors associated with a potentially inappropriate patient management by OOH services and thus contribute to improving the deployment of healthcare and the quality of care delivered by OOH services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Buja
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Public Health Section, Laboratory of Public Health and Population Studies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - S Rigon
- Epidemiological Unit, ULSS 4, Region Veneto, Thiene, Italy
| | - P Sandonà
- Out of Hour Service, ULSS 4, Region Veneto, Thiene, Italy
| | - T Carrara
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - G Damiani
- Department of Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - V Baldo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Public Health Section, Laboratory of Public Health and Population Studies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Zhou Y, Yang T, Gong Y, Li W, Chen Y, Li J, Wang M, Yin X, Hu B, Lu Z. Pre-hospital Delay after Acute Ischemic Stroke in Central Urban China: Prevalence and Risk Factors. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:3007-3016. [PMID: 27032390 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9750-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Timely thrombolytic treatment is paramount after acute ischemic stroke (AIS); however, a large proportion of patients experience substantial delays in presentation to hospital. This study evaluates the prevalence and risk factors in pre-hospital delays after AIS in central urban China. AIS patients from 66 hospitals in 13 major cities across Hubei Province, between October 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015 were interviewed and their medical records were reviewed to identify those who suffered pre-hospital delays. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine the prevalence rates and the risk factors associated with pre-hospital delays. A total of 1835 patients were included in the analysis, with 69.3 % patients reportedly arrived at hospital 3 or more hours after onset and 55.3 % patients arrived 6 or more hours after onset. Factors associated with increased pre-hospital delays for 3 or more hours were as follows: patient had a history of stroke (odds ratio (OR), 1.319, P = 0.028), onset location was at home (OR, 1.573, P = 0.002), and patients rather than someone else noticed the symptom onset first (OR, 1.711; P < 0.001). In contrast, knowing someone who had suffered a stroke, considering any kind of the symptoms as severe, transferring from a community-based hospital factors, calling emergency number (120), and shorter distance from the onset place to the first hospital were independently associated with decreased pre-hospital delays. These findings indicate that pre-hospital delays after AIS are common in urban central China, and future intervention programs should be focused on public awareness of stroke and appropriate response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zhou
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanhong Gong
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenzhen Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengdie Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoxv Yin
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Stroke Quality Control Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zuxun Lu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Utilization of emergency medical service increases chance of thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. J Formos Med Assoc 2013; 113:813-9. [PMID: 24296308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2013.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE To determine whether utilization of emergency medical service (EMS) can increase use and expedite delivery of the thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS We analyzed consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an ischemic stroke within 72 hours of symptom onset from a prospective stroke registry. Variables associated with early ED arrival (within 3 hours of stroke onset) and administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy were analyzed. RESULTS From January 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011, there were 1081 patients (62.3% men, age 69.6 ± 13 years) included in this study. Among them, 289 (26.7%) arrived in the ED within 3 hours, and 88 (8.1%) received thrombolytic therapy. Patients who arrived at the ED by EMS (n = 279, 25.8%) were independently associated with earlier ED arrival (adjusted odds ratio = 3.68, 95% confidence interval = 2.54-5.33), and higher chance of receiving thrombolytic therapy (adjusted odds ratio = 3.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.86-8.17). Furthermore, utilization of EMS significantly decreased onset-to-needle time by 26 minutes in patients receiving thrombolytic therapy. CONCLUSION Utilization of EMS can not only help acute ischemic stroke patients in early presentation to ED, but also effectively facilitate thrombolytic therapy and shorten the onset-to-needle time.
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Fonseca LHDO, Rosa MLG, Silva AC, Maciel RM, Volschan A, Mesquita ET. Análise das barreiras à utilização de trombolíticos em casos de acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico em um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2013; 29:2487-96. [DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00131412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
O acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCi) é uma importante causa de sequela e morte. A correta utilização do trombolítico enfrenta várias barreiras. O objetivo foi discutir as barreiras à terapia trombolítica em pacientes que chegam, com sintomas de AVCi agudo, à emergência de um hospital privado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes entre 2009 e 2011. Foram admitidos 257 pacientes com suspeita de AVCi. Dos pacientes com diagnóstico confirmado (156), 11,5% (18) foram trombolisados. Dos 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de AVCi, dentro da janela terapêutica e com NIHSS na faixa para trombólise, 20 não foram trombolisados, 9 por barreiras administrativas (45%). Neste trabalho o percentual de trombólise foi superior ao observado nos Estados Unidos, mas barreiras impediram o tratamento de 45% dos pacientes com indicação à trombólise. Imagina-se que na rede pública brasileira a situação seja ainda mais desfavorável.
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Mackintosh JE, Murtagh MJ, Rodgers H, Thomson RG, Ford GA, White M. Why people do, or do not, immediately contact emergency medical services following the onset of acute stroke: qualitative interview study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46124. [PMID: 23056247 PMCID: PMC3464281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify the reasons why individuals contact, or delay contacting, emergency medical services in response to stroke symptoms. Design Qualitative interview study with a purposive sample of stroke patients and witnesses, selected according to method of accessing medical care and the time taken to do so. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Setting Area covered by three acute stroke units in the north east of England. Participants Nineteen stroke patients and 26 witnesses who had called for help following the onset of stroke symptoms. Results Factors influencing who called emergency medical services and when they called included stroke severity, how people made sense of symptoms and their level of motivation to seek help. Fear of the consequences of stroke, including future dependence or disruption to family life, previous negative experience of hospitals, or involving a friend or relations in the decision to access medical services, all resulted in delayed admission. Lack of knowledge of stroke symptoms was also an important determinant. Perceptions of the remit of medical services were a major cause of delays in admission, with many people believing the most appropriate action was to telephone their GP. Variations in the response of primary care teams to acute stroke symptoms were also evident. Conclusions The factors influencing help-seeking decisions are complex. There remains a need to improve recognition by patients, witnesses and health care staff of the need to treat stroke as a medical emergency by calling emergency medical services, as well as increasing knowledge of symptoms of stroke among patients and potential witnesses. Fear, denial and reticence to impose on others hinders the process of seeking help and will need addressing specifically with appropriate interventions. Variability in how primary care services respond to stroke needs further investigation to inform interventions to promote best practice. Trial Registration UK Clinical Research Network UKCRN 6590
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan E. Mackintosh
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine J. Murtagh
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, Leicester University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Rodgers
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Richard G. Thomson
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Gary A. Ford
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Martin White
- Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Fuse, UKCRC Centre for Translational Research in Public Health, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Jin H, Zhu S, Wei JW, Wang J, Liu M, Wu Y, Wong LKS, Cheng Y, Xu E, Yang Q, Anderson CS, Huang Y. Factors associated with prehospital delays in the presentation of acute stroke in urban China. Stroke 2012; 43:362-70. [PMID: 22246693 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.623512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Low rates of thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in China have mainly been attributed to delays in presentation to the hospital. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with these delays. METHODS Data were from a prospective, multicenter, hospital-based registry of patients with acute stroke (ChinaQUEST [Quality Evaluation of Stroke Care and Treatment]), which involved 62 hospitals across a variety of economic and geographic regions in China during 2006. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken to determine associations between variables of interest and delays to hospital presentation. RESULTS Median time to hospital presentation was 15.0 hours for 6102 cases (interquartile range, 2.8-51.0 hours). A total of 1546 (25%) patients arrived within 3 hours and 2244 (37%) patients arrived within 6 hours after symptom onset. Factors that prolonged time to presentation were: visiting a local doctor before presenting at emergency (OR, 0.48; P<0.001), symptom onset at home (OR, 0.62; P<0.001), transfer to a large (Level III) hospital for management (OR, 0.70; P=0.04), and history of diabetes (OR, 0.78; P=0.01). In contrast, factors that accelerated presentation to the hospital were hemorrhagic stroke (OR, 2.25; P<0.001), history of atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.94; P<0.001), unconsciousness at presentation (OR, 1.91; P<0.001), transfer by ambulance (OR, 1.91; P<0.001), and history of coronary artery disease (OR, 1.20; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS Health promotion strategies to improve community awareness of early symptoms of stroke, establishment of an alert system to cater for patients likely to experience stroke at home, and wider availability and use of ambulance services are promising methods to help expedite presentation to hospital poststroke and thereby improve the management of stroke in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqiang Jin
- Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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Tsze DS, Valente JH. Pediatric stroke: a review. Emerg Med Int 2011; 2011:734506. [PMID: 22254140 PMCID: PMC3255104 DOI: 10.1155/2011/734506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is relatively rare in children, but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding that children with strokes present differently than adults and often present with unique risk factors will optimize outcomes in children. Despite an increased incidence of pediatric stroke, there is often a delay in diagnosis, and cases may still remain under- or misdiagnosed. Clinical presentation will vary based on the child's age, and children will have risk factors for stroke that are less common than in adults. Management strategies in children are extrapolated primarily from adult studies, but with different considerations regarding short-term anticoagulation and guarded recommendations regarding thrombolytics. Although most recommendations for management are extrapolated from adult populations, they still remain useful, in conjunction with pediatric-specific considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Tsze
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan H. Valente
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Sablot D, Belahsen F, Vuillier F, Cassarini JF, Decavel P, Tatu L, Moulin T, Medeiros de Bustos E. Predicting acute ischaemic stroke outcome using clinical and temporal thresholds. ISRN NEUROLOGY 2011; 2011:354642. [PMID: 22462018 PMCID: PMC3302020 DOI: 10.5402/2011/354642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Background. Few studies have analysed the natural course of cerebral ischaemia for predicting outcome. We aimed to determine the early clinical findings and the thresholds for deficit severity and symptom duration that make it possible to stratify outcome.
Methods. We included 154 patients with transient ischaemic attack or ischaemic stroke. Stroke profiles and neurological status were assessed from onset to 24 hrs, on admission, at 48 hrs, and at discharge. Outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale. Positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the different thresholds. The model was subsequently evaluated on a new prospective cohort of 157 patients.
Results. Initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score <5 and symptoms regressing within 135 min were predictive of good outcome. Initial NIHSS score >22 and symptom stability after 1,230 min were predictive of physical dependency or death.
Conclusions. Low and high NIHSS cut-off points are effective positive predictive values for good and poor outcomes. Thresholds for symptom duration are less conclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Sablot
- Department of Neurology, Saint Jean Hospital, 20 Avenue du Languedoc, 66046 Perpignan Cedex, France
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Teuschl Y, Brainin M. Stroke education: discrepancies among factors influencing prehospital delay and stroke knowledge. Int J Stroke 2010; 5:187-208. [PMID: 20536616 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2010.00428.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time is essential for the treatment of acute stroke. Much time is lost outside the hospital, either due to failure in identifying stroke symptoms or due to a delay in notification or transport. We review studies reporting factors associated with better stroke knowledge and shorter time delays. We summarise the evidences for the effect of stroke knowledge and education on people's reaction in the acute situation of stroke. METHODS We searched MEDLINE for studies reporting factors associated with prehospital time of stroke patients, or knowledge of stroke symptoms. Further, we searched for studies reporting educational interventions aimed at increasing stroke symptom knowledge in the population. FINDINGS We included a total of 182 studies. Surprisingly, those factors associated with better stroke knowledge such as education and sociodemographic variables were not related to shorter time delays. Few studies report shorter time delays or better stroke knowledge in persons having suffered a previous stroke. Factors associated with shorter time delays were more severe stroke and symptoms regarded as serious, but not better knowledge about the most frequent symptoms such as hemiparesis or disorders of speech. Only 25-56% of patients recognised their own symptoms as stroke. While stroke education increases the knowledge of warning signs, a few population studies measured the impact of education on time delays; in such studies, time delays decreased after education. This may partly be mediated by better organisation of EMS and hospitals. INTERPRETATION There is a discrepancy between theoretical stroke knowledge and the reaction in an acute situation. Help-seeking behaviour is more dependent on the perceived severity of symptoms than on symptom knowledge. Bystanders play an important role in the decision to call for help and should be included in stroke education. Education is effective and should be culturally adapted and presented in a social context. It is unclear which educational concept is best suited to enhance symptom recognition in the acute situation of stroke, especially in view of discrepancies between knowledge and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Teuschl
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Danube University, Krems, Austria
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are no studies from Pakistan that describe stroke presentation rates or factors associated with early or delayed presentation. This is important to know because current clinical protocols limit the use of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA), the only available therapy for acute ischemic stroke, to a three-hour window from symptom onset. METHODS All patients aged 14 years or above with acute ischemic stroke of < or = 48 hours duration were prospectively identified from the Aga Khan University Stroke Data Bank over a 22-month period ending May 2001. RESULTS 269 ischemic stroke patients presented within 48 hours of stroke onset. 55 out of 269 (21%) presented within first three hours and 110 out of 269 (41%) within first six hours. Unawareness of treatment options (p < 0.001) and inappropriate diagnosis and field triage (p = 0.005) were associated with delayed presentation. Small vessel occlusion or lacunar stroke in the TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) ischemic stroke subtype was associated with delayed presentation (p = 0.047) and cardioembolic stroke was associated with earlier presentation (p = 0.048). Stroke severity assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at a cut off score of > or = 15 was not associated with earlier time to presentation at three hours (p = 0.114) but there was some tendency at six hours (p = 0.097). CONCLUSIONS The rate of early stroke presentation in a Pakistani tertiary care facility is comparable to certain developed countries. To increase the proportion of patients who can benefit from thrombolytic therapy, programs need to be instituted to increase public awareness of treatment options for stroke and expedited referral by the primary care provider.
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Rafay MF, Pontigon AM, Chiang J, Adams M, Jarvis DA, Silver F, MacGregor D, deVeber GA. Delay to Diagnosis in Acute Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke. Stroke 2009; 40:58-64. [PMID: 18802206 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.108.519066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
For the clinician, the diagnosis of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children is a challenge. Prompt diagnosis of pediatric AIS within 6 hours enables stroke-specific thrombolytic and neuroprotective strategies.
Methods—
We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively enrolled consecutive cohort of children with AIS, admitted to The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, from January 1992 to December 2004. The data on clinical presentation, symptom onset, emergency department arrival, neuroimaging and stroke diagnosis were recorded. The putative predictors of delayed diagnosis were selected a priori for analysis.
Results—
A total of 209 children with AIS were studied. The median interval from symptom onset to AIS diagnosis was 22.7 hours (interquartile range: 7.1 to 57.7 hours), prehospital delay (symptom onset to hospital arrival) was 1.7 hours (interquartile range: 49 minutes to 8.1 hours), and the in-hospital delay (presentation to diagnosis) was 12.7 hours (interquartile range: 4.5 to 33.5 hours). The initial assessment was completed in 16 minutes and initial neuroimaging in 8.8 hours. The diagnosis of AIS was suspected on initial assessment in 79 (38%) children and the initial neuroimaging diagnosed AIS in 47%. The parent’s help seeking action, nonabrupt onset of symptoms, altered consciousness, milder stroke severity, posterior circulation infarction and lack of initial neuroimaging at a tertiary hospital were predictive delayed AIS diagnosis.
Conclusion—
In the diagnosis of AIS, significant prehospital and in-hospital delays exist in children. Several predictors of the delayed AIS diagnosis were identified in the present study. Efforts to target these predictors can reduce diagnostic delays and optimize the management of AIS in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubeen F. Rafay
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ann-Marie Pontigon
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jackie Chiang
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Adams
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D. Anna Jarvis
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frank Silver
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daune MacGregor
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabrielle A. deVeber
- From the Section of Neurology (M.F.R.), Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, the Population Health Sciences Program (M.F.R., A.-M.P., J.C., M.A., G.A.d.V.), the Division of Emergency Medicine (D.A.J.), and the Division of Neurology (D.M., G.A.d.V.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and the Division of Neurology (F.S.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Chen CH, Huang P, Yang YH, Liu CK, Lin TJ, Lin RT. Pre-hospital and in-hospital delays after onset of acute ischemic stroke: a hospital-based study in southern Taiwan. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2008; 23:552-9. [PMID: 18055303 DOI: 10.1016/s1607-551x(08)70002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The biggest hurdle for early hospital presentation is the narrow therapeutic window after stroke. The aims of our study were to investigate the time lags and the factors causing pre-hospital and emergency department (ED) delay during acute ischemic stroke attack. Between June 2004 and October 2005, we prospectively studied 129 acute ischemic stroke patients who presented to the ED of the study hospital within 4 hours after symptom onset. Chi-square testing for trend, univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses was performed to evaluate the factors influencing delays in the ED presentation of acute ischemic stroke patients. The median time from symptom onset to ED arrival was 71 (mean +/- SD, 82.7 +/- 57.7) minutes. The median times from ED arrival to neurologic consultation, computed tomography scan, electrocardiogram, and laboratory data completion were 10 (11.3 +/- 9.9) minutes, 17 (9.6 +/- 11.3) minutes, 14 (23.3 +/- 55) minutes, and 39 (44.4 +/- 24.5) minutes, respectively. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models revealed that age < 65 years, illiteracy and awakening with symptoms were the most significant factors related to a delay in ED presentation. This study indicates that 2 hours of pre-hospital delay is the cutoff point for thrombolytic therapy. Organization of a stroke team and standardized stroke pathways may help to shorten in-hospital time consumption. Educational efforts should not only focus on the public, but also on the training of ED physicians and other medical personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hung Chen
- Department of Neurology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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16
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Moser DK, Kimble LP, Alberts MJ, Alonzo A, Croft JB, Dracup K, Evenson KR, Go AS, Hand MM, Kothari RU, Mensah GA, Morris DL, Pancioli AM, Riegel B, Zerwic JJ. Reducing delay in seeking treatment by patients with acute coronary syndrome and stroke: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Council on Cardiovascular Nursing and Stroke Council. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2007; 22:326-43. [PMID: 17589286 DOI: 10.1097/01.jcn.0000278963.28619.4a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Patient delay in seeking treatment for acute coronary syndrome and stroke symptoms is the major factor limiting delivery of definitive treatment in these conditions. Despite decades of research and public education campaigns aimed at decreasing patient delay times, most patients still do not seek treatment in a timely manner. In this scientific statement, we summarize the evidence that (1) demonstrates the benefits of early treatment, (2) describes the extent of the problem of patient delay, (3) identifies the factors related to patient delay in seeking timely treatment, and (4) reveals the inadequacies of our current approaches to decreasing patient delay. Finally, we offer suggestions for clinical practice and future research.
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17
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Moser DK, Kimble LP, Alberts MJ, Alonzo A, Croft JB, Dracup K, Evenson KR, Go AS, Hand MM, Kothari RU, Mensah GA, Morris DL, Pancioli AM, Riegel B, Zerwic JJ. Reducing Delay in Seeking Treatment by Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stroke. Circulation 2006; 114:168-82. [PMID: 16801458 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.106.176040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 450] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Patient delay in seeking treatment for acute coronary syndrome and stroke symptoms is the major factor limiting delivery of definitive treatment in these conditions. Despite decades of research and public education campaigns aimed at decreasing patient delay times, most patients still do not seek treatment in a timely manner. In this scientific statement, we summarize the evidence that (1) demonstrates the benefits of early treatment, (2) describes the extent of the problem of patient delay, (3) identifies the factors related to patient delay in seeking timely treatment, and (4) reveals the inadequacies of our current approaches to decreasing patient delay. Finally, we offer suggestions for clinical practice and future research.
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18
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Keskin O, Kalemoğlu M, Ulusoy RE. A clinic investigation into prehospital and emergency department delays in acute stroke care. Med Princ Pract 2005; 14:408-12. [PMID: 16220014 DOI: 10.1159/000088114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/30/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to investigate the factors which cause prehospital and emergency department (ED) delays in acute stroke care. SUBJECTS AND METHODS We prospectively studied 229 acute stroke patients (median age: 71 +/- 19 years, 90 female and 139 male) who presented to the ED of the Gulhane Military Teaching Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Prehospital delay was defined as time from symptom onset to arrival at the ED. Emergency delay was defined as time from initial examination in the ED to arrival at the Neurology Intensive Care Unit. RESULTS The median interval of prehospital and emergency delays were 92.66 and 53 min, respectively. The major cause of the prehospital delay was the time from symptom onset to first call for medical help (68.21 min, 73.93%, beta coefficients: 0.99; p < 0.001), and the major cause of the ED delay was waiting for the neurological consultation (21.28 min, 39.6%), beta coefficients: 0.03; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The results indicate that prehospital and ED delays are due to late decision to seek medical care and delayed neurological consultation. Hence, educational campaigns are needed to increase public awareness of stroke signs and the necessity of calling emergency services immediately when persons are suffering a possible stroke. Equally, ED physicians need to be trained in the recognition of symptoms and signs of acute stroke and the necessity for rapid neurological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozcan Keskin
- Department of Emergency, Gulhane Haydarpasa Military Teaching Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
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19
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Nor AM, Davis J, Sen B, Shipsey D, Louw SJ, Dyker AG, Davis M, Ford GA. The Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room (ROSIER) scale: development and validation of a stroke recognition instrument. Lancet Neurol 2005; 4:727-34. [PMID: 16239179 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(05)70201-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with acute stroke, rapid intervention is crucial to maximise early treatment benefits. Stroke patients commonly have their first contact with medical staff in the emergency room (ER). We designed and validated a stroke recognition tool-the Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room (ROSIER) scale-for use by ER physicians. METHODS We prospectively collected data for 1 year (development phase) on the clinical characteristics of patients with suspected acute stroke who were admitted to hospital from the ER. We used logistic regression analysis and clinical reasoning to develop a stroke recognition instrument for application in this setting. Patients with suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with no symptoms or signs when assessed in the ER were excluded from the analysis. The instrument was assessed using the baseline 1-year dataset and then prospectively validated in a new cohort of ER patients admitted over a 9-month period. FINDINGS In the development phase, 343 suspected stroke patients were assessed (159 stroke, 167 non-stroke, 32 with TIA [17 with symptoms when seen in ER]). Common stroke mimics were seizures (23%), syncope (23%), and sepsis (10%). A seven-item (total score from -2 to +5) stroke recognition instrument was constructed on the basis of clinical history (loss of consciousness, convulsive fits) and neurological signs (face, arm, or leg weakness, speech disturbance, visual field defect). When internally validated at a cut-off score greater than zero, the instrument showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 92%, specificity of 86%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 88%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 91%. Prospective validation in 173 consecutive suspected stroke referrals (88 stroke, 59 non-stroke, 26 with TIA [13 with symptoms]) showed sensitivity of 93% (95% CI 89-97), specificity 83% (77-89), PPV 90% (85-95), and NPV 88% (83-93). The ROSIER scale had greater sensitivity than existing stroke recognition instruments in this population. INTERPRETATION The ROSIER scale was effective in the initial differentiation of acute stroke from stroke mimics in the ER. Introduction of the instrument improved the appropriateness of referrals to the stroke team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azlisham Mohd Nor
- The Freeman Hospital Stroke Service, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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Abstract
A recent study in the Journal of Neurosurgery demonstrates decreased mortality rates in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated at tertiary care centers with higher volumes of SAH patients.(1) As clinical research in emergency and critical care increases, so will its impact on transport systems. In recent years, advances in cardiology, interventional radiology, surgery, and emergency care all have had major influences in the triage and transport of critically ill and injured patients. The challenge facing modern transport systems is how to integrate research to improve patient care while respecting the logistic, financial, and political issues that are entwined in this process. This article discusses the process undertaken by one medical control zone in the triage and transport of prehospital patients with suspected ischemic stroke. It discusses the transition from initial research and national recommendations for emergent thrombolytic therapy through the development and implementation of prehospital triage protocols. The authors hope it will offer some guidance in dealing with these rapidly emerging and often complicated transport decisions.
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21
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Kwan J, Hand P, Sandercock P. Improving the efficiency of delivery of thrombolysis for acute stroke: a systematic review. QJM 2004; 97:273-9. [PMID: 15100420 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hch054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is licensed for use within 3 h of acute ischaemic stroke. The less the delay to treatment, the more likely it is to be effective. AIMS To assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to overcome barriers to rapid administration of thrombolytic therapy. DESIGN Systematic review of previous clinical studies. METHODS We searched for studies that evaluated the effect of an intervention to reduce delays to administration of rt-PA. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the trials register of the Cochrane Stroke Group, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. We sought randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, before-and-after studies, interrupted time series, and observational studies. RESULTS We identified 10 non-randomized studies that evaluated interventions that could speed up admission to hospital and administration of rt-PA. The types of interventions included: (a) education programmes for the public to improve their knowledge about symptoms of acute stroke; (b) training programmes for paramedical staff to improve their accuracy of stroke diagnosis and hasten transport of the patient to hospital; (c) helicopter transfer of patients to hospital; (d) training programmes in acute stroke therapy for emergency department staff; and (e) re-organization of in-hospital systems to streamline acute stroke care. Several programmes were multifaceted interventions. DISCUSSION We identified important areas that could be targets for interventions to improve the efficiency of delivering thrombolysis for acute stroke. Multifaceted programmes might be more likely to be successful in reducing delays to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kwan
- University Department of Geriatric Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK.
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Successful acute stroke intervention depends on early hospital presentation. Our study aimed to examine the extent of and factors associated with prehospital delays after acute stroke in Taiwan, where people are new to thrombolytic therapy for stroke. METHODS Data were prospectively collected from 196 patients admitted with acute stroke who presented to the emergency department (ED) of the study hospital within 48 hours of symptom onset before intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was approved. Prehospital delay was defined as time from symptom onset to the ED arrival. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate factors influencing delay in ED presentation and delay in decision to seek medical help. RESULTS The median interval between symptom onset and decision to seek medical contact was 90 minutes; the median interval between symptom onset and ED arrival was 335 minutes. The time from symptom onset to first call for medical help accounted for 45% (95% confidence interval, 41 to 50) of the prehospital delay. Advanced age delayed the decision to seek medical help, whereas stroke severity reduced the risk for this delay. CONCLUSIONS The time interval between symptom onset and the decision to call for medical care is far from optimal and is the underlying cause of prolonged prehospital delay. Educational efforts to reduce extent of delay are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ku-Chou Chang
- First Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Niao-Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan
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23
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Kennedy J, Ma C, Buchan AM. Organization of regional and local stroke resources: Methods to expedite acute management of stroke. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2004; 4:13-8. [PMID: 14683622 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-004-0005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Proving the efficacy of thrombolysis in improving outcome from stroke has put time to assessment of patients at the forefront for healthcare providers when organizing stroke care. The chain of recovery begins with the patient. Efforts are being made to improve the general public's understanding of stroke. However, it appears at the moment that a greater effect in reducing the delay to initial medical assessment and treatment decision is to be gained through streamlining care as soon as 911 has been called. Emergency medical services dispatchers and technicians play a key role in recognizing that a patient is having a stroke and prioritizing the transport of the patient to an appropriate facility. Emergency departments need to have clear protocols in place to ensure that physicians can make prompt treatment decisions after having fully assessed and investigated the patient. Only with all these pieces in place is the initial phase of the chain of recovery complete, with the end result that more patients have the chance to have an improved outcome from stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Foothills Hospital, Room 1162, 1403 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada
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24
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Abstract
Acute stroke care is a multidisciplinary effort. It crosses the boundaries of traditional hospital-based medicine, relying heavily on prehospital providers to obtain a significant amount of clinical information. Currently, modifications of existing EMS systems are underway to support the idea that "time is brain." Dispatchers and EMS providers are vital players in the Chain of Recovery, and are challenged to perform within this new paradigm for acute stroke care. In the near future, optimal management of the acute stroke patient may include the administration of neuroprotective medications in the prehospital setting. Educational efforts targeting high risk and elderly populations also continue to be a priority for healthcare providers and public interest groups such as the NSA. Stroke victims, family members, and caregivers must all be aware of the warning signs and symptoms of stroke. The importance of using EMS during the initial phase of acute stroke cannot be overstated. Emergency physicians must lead in coordinating the resources, placing greater emphasis on educating and assessing the performance of prehospital providers [50]. These leaders must ensure that prehospital providers understand they are integral members of the stroke team, vital to improving stroke care in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Suyama
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Emergency Medicine, P.O. Box 670769, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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25
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Schroeder EB, Rosamond WD, Morris DL, Evenson KR, Hinn AR. Determinants of use of emergency medical services in a population with stroke symptoms: the Second Delay in Accessing Stroke Healthcare (DASH II) Study. Stroke 2000; 31:2591-6. [PMID: 11062280 DOI: 10.1161/01.str.31.11.2591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE With the advent of time-dependent thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke, it has become increasingly important for stroke patients to arrive at the hospital quickly. This study investigates the association between the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and delay time among individuals with stroke symptoms and examines the predictors of EMS use. METHODS The Second Delay in Accessing Stroke Healthcare Study (DASH II) was a prospective study of 617 individuals arriving at emergency departments in Denver, Colo, Chapel Hill, NC, and Greenville, SC, with stroke symptoms. RESULTS EMS use was associated with decreased prehospital and in-hospital delay. Those who used EMS had a median prehospital delay time of 2.85 hours compared with 4.03 hours for those who did not use EMS (P:=0.002). Older individuals were more likely to use EMS (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 for each 5-year increase, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.29), as were individuals who expressed a high sense of urgency about their symptoms (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.62). Knowledge of stroke symptoms was not associated with increased EMS use (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.98). Patients were more likely to use EMS if someone other than the patient first identified that there was a problem (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.61 to 3.44). CONCLUSIONS Interventions aimed at increasing EMS use among stroke patients need to stress the urgency of stroke symptoms and the importance of calling 911 and need to be broad-based, encompassing not only those at high risk for stroke but also their friends and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Schroeder
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 27599-8050, USA
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