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Lynch EA, Bulto LN, Cheng H, Craig L, Luker JA, Bagot KL, Thayabaranathan T, Janssen H, McInnes E, Middleton S, Cadilhac DA. Interventions for the uptake of evidence-based recommendations in acute stroke settings. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 8:CD012520. [PMID: 37565934 PMCID: PMC10416310 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012520.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing body of research evidence to guide acute stroke care. Receiving care in a stroke unit improves access to recommended evidence-based therapies and patient outcomes. However, even in stroke units, evidence-based recommendations are inconsistently delivered by healthcare workers to patients with stroke. Implementation interventions are strategies designed to improve the delivery of evidence-based care. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of implementation interventions (compared to no intervention or another implementation intervention) on adherence to evidence-based recommendations by health professionals working in acute stroke units. Secondary objectives were to assess factors that may modify the effect of these interventions, and to determine if single or multifaceted strategies are more effective in increasing adherence with evidence-based recommendations. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs Institute and ProQuest databases to 13 April 2022. We searched the grey literature and trial registries and reviewed reference lists of all included studies, relevant systematic reviews and primary studies; contacted corresponding authors of relevant studies and conducted forward citation searching of the included studies. There were no restrictions on language and publication date. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials and cluster-randomised trials. Participants were health professionals providing care to patients in acute stroke units; implementation interventions (i.e. strategies to improve delivery of evidence-based care) were compared to no intervention or another implementation intervention. We included studies only if they reported on our primary outcome which was quality of care, as measured by adherence to evidence-based recommendations, in order to address the review aim. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence using GRADE. We compared single implementation interventions to no intervention, multifaceted implementation interventions to no intervention, multifaceted implementation interventions compared to single implementation interventions and multifaceted implementation interventions to another multifaceted intervention. Our primary outcome was adherence to evidence-based recommendations. MAIN RESULTS We included seven cluster-randomised trials with 42,489 patient participants from 129 hospitals, conducted in Australia, the UK, China, and the Netherlands. Health professional participants (numbers not specified) included nursing, medical and allied health professionals. Interventions in all studies included implementation strategies targeting healthcare workers; three studies included delivery arrangements, no studies used financial arrangements or governance arrangements. Five trials compared a multifaceted implementation intervention to no intervention, two trials compared one multifaceted implementation intervention to another multifaceted implementation intervention. No included studies compared a single implementation intervention to no intervention or to a multifaceted implementation intervention. Quality of care outcomes (proportions of patients receiving evidence-based care) were included in all included studies. All studies had low risks of selection bias and reporting bias, but high risk of performance bias. Three studies had high risks of bias from non-blinding of outcome assessors or due to analyses used. We are uncertain whether a multifaceted implementation intervention leads to any change in adherence to evidence-based recommendations compared with no intervention (risk ratio (RR) 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83 to 3.61; 4 trials; 76 clusters; 2144 participants, I2 =92%, very low-certainty evidence). Looking at two specific processes of care, multifaceted implementation interventions compared to no intervention probably lead to little or no difference in the proportion of patients with ischaemic stroke who received thrombolysis (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.37, 2 trials; 32 clusters; 1228 participants, moderate-certainty evidence), but probably do increase the proportion of patients who receive a swallow screen within 24 hours of admission (RR 6.76, 95% CI 4.44 to 10.76; 1 trial; 19 clusters; 1,804 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Multifaceted implementation interventions probably make little or no difference in reducing the risk of death, disability or dependency compared to no intervention (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.02; 3 trials; 51 clusters ; 1228 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and probably make little or no difference to hospital length of stay compared with no intervention (difference in absolute change 1.5 days; 95% CI -0.5 to 3.5; 1 trial; 19 clusters; 1804 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We do not know if a multifaceted implementation intervention compared to no intervention result in changes to resource use or health professionals' knowledge because no included studies collected these outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are uncertain whether a multifaceted implementation intervention compared to no intervention improves adherence to evidence-based recommendations in acute stroke settings, because the certainty of evidence is very low.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lemma N Bulto
- Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Heilok Cheng
- Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Craig
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Julie A Luker
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kathleen L Bagot
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | | | - Heidi Janssen
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Elizabeth McInnes
- Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sandy Middleton
- Nursing Research Institute, St Vincent's Health Australia, Sydney, Australia
- NSW School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Australia
- Stroke and Ageing Research, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Tejada Meza H, Saldaña Inda I, Serrano Ponz M, Ara JR, Marta Moreno J. Impact of a series of measures for optimisation hospital code stroke care on door-to-needle times. Neurologia 2023; 38:141-149. [PMID: 37059569 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. METHODS Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. RESULTS The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P<.001), with 73.5% of patients treated within 60minutes (a 47% increase; P<.001). Median overall time to treatment (onset-to-needle time) was reduced by 20minutes (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The measures included in our protocol achieved a significant, sustained reduction in door-to-needle times, although there remains room for improvement. The mechanisms established for monitoring outcomes and for continuous improvement will enable further advances in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tejada Meza
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Sección de Neurointervencionismo, Servicio de Radiología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España.
| | - I Saldaña Inda
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - M Serrano Ponz
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España; Departamento de Medicina, Psiquiatría y Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España
| | - J R Ara
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España; Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - J Marta Moreno
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España
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Implementation of the Helsinki Model at West Tallinn Central Hospital. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091173. [PMID: 36143850 PMCID: PMC9503615 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is defined as neurological deficit caused by brain infarction. The intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase, is an effective treatment. However, efficacy of this method is time dependent. An important step in improving outcome and increasing the number of patients receiving alteplase is the shortening of waiting times at the hospital, the so-called door-to-needle time (DNT). The comprehensive Helsinki model was proposed in 2012, which enabled the shortening of the DNT to less than 20 min. Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the transferability of the suggested model to the West Tallinn Central Hospital (WTCH). Materials and Methods: Since the first thrombolysis in 2005, all patients are registered in the WTCH thrombolysis registry. Several steps following the Helsinki model have been implemented over the years. Results: The results demonstrate that the number and also the percent of thrombolysed stroke patients increased during the years, from a few thrombolysis annually, to 260 in 2021. The mean DNT dropped significantly to 33 min after the implementation of several steps, from the emergency medical services (EMS) prenotification with a phone call to the neurologists, to the setting-up of a thrombolysis team based in the stroke unit. Also, the immediate start of treatment using a computed tomography table was introduced. Conclusions: In conclusion, several implemented steps enabled the shortening of the DNT from 30 to 25.2 min. Short DNTs were achieved and maintained only with EMS prenotification.
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Zhong W, Lin L, Gong X, Chen Z, Chen Y, Yan S, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Hu H, Tong L, Cheng C, Gu Q, Chen Y, Yu X, Huang Y, Yuan C, Lou M. Evaluation of a multicomponent intervention to shorten thrombolytic door-to-needle time in stroke patients in China (MISSION): A cluster-randomized controlled trial. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004034. [PMID: 35788767 PMCID: PMC9255731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is crucial for improving outcomes. However, few randomized trials of interventions aimed at reducing in-hospital delay have been carried out in China. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a multicomponent intervention on thrombolytic door-to-needle time (DNT) of AIS patients via video teleconference based on the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) method. METHODS AND FINDINGS This cluster-randomized trial, conducted between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019, randomly allocated 22 hospitals equally to PEITEM (Persuasion Environment reconstruction Incentivization Training Education Modeling) intervention or routine care plus stroke registry and subsequently enrolled 1,634 AIS patients receiving IVT within 4.5 hours upon stroke onset from participant hospitals. The PEITEM group received a 1-year PEITEM 6-component intervention based on the behavioral theory monthly via video teleconference. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a DNT of 60 minutes or less. A total of 987 patients participated in the PEITEM group (mean age, 69 years; female, 411 [41.6%]) and 647 patients in the control group (mean age, 70 years; female, 238 [36.8%]). Of all participants, the proportion of DNT ≤60 minutes in the PEITEM group was higher than in the control group (82.0% versus 73.3%; adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17 to 2.70; ICC, 0.04; P = 0.007). Among secondary outcomes, the average DNT was 43 minutes in the PEITEM group and 50 minutes in the control group (adjusted mean difference: -8.83; 95% CI, -14.03 to -3.64; ICC, 0.12; P = 0.001). Favorable functional outcome (score of 0 to 1 on the modified Rankin scale (mRS)) was achieved in 55.6% patients of the PEITEM group and 50.4% of the control group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.90; ICC, 0.01; P = 0.049). Main study limitations include non-blinding of clinicians, and that specific interventions component responsible for the observed changes could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS The teleconference-delivered PEITEM intervention resulted in a moderate but clinically relevant shorter DNT and better functional outcome in AIS patients receiving IVT. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03317639.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansi Zhong
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longting Lin
- Imaging Laboratory Manger, Sydney Brain Center, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xiaoxian Gong
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhicai Chen
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shenqiang Yan
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lusha Tong
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaochan Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Yongkang First People’s Hospital, Yongkang, China
| | - Qun Gu
- Department of Neurology, Huzhou First People’s Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Li Huili Hospital of Ningbo Medical Center, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiaojin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhui Huang
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changzheng Yuan
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: , (ML); (CY)
| | - Min Lou
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- * E-mail: , (ML); (CY)
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Ryan A, Paul CL, Cox M, Whalen O, Bivard A, Attia J, Bladin C, Davis SM, Campbell BCV, Parsons M, Grimley RS, Anderson C, Donnan GA, Oldmeadow C, Kuhle S, Walker FR, Hood RJ, Maltby S, Keynes A, Delcourt C, Hatchwell L, Malavera A, Yang Q, Wong A, Muller C, Sabet A, Garcia-Esperon C, Brown H, Spratt N, Kleinig T, Butcher K, Levi CR. TACTICS - Trial of Advanced CT Imaging and Combined Education Support for Drip and Ship: evaluating the effectiveness of an 'implementation intervention' in providing better patient access to reperfusion therapies: protocol for a non-randomised controlled stepped wedge cluster trial in acute stroke. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055461. [PMID: 35149571 PMCID: PMC8845197 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke reperfusion therapies, comprising intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), are best practice treatments for eligible acute ischemic stroke patients. In Australia, EVT is provided at few, mainly metropolitan, comprehensive stroke centres (CSC). There are significant challenges for Australia's rural and remote populations in accessing EVT, but improved access can be facilitated by a 'drip and ship' approach. TACTICS (Trial of Advanced CT Imaging and Combined Education Support for Drip and Ship) aims to test whether a multicomponent, multidisciplinary implementation intervention can increase the proportion of stroke patients receiving EVT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a non-randomised controlled, stepped wedge trial involving six clusters across three Australian states. Each cluster comprises one CSC hub and a minimum of three primary stroke centre (PSC) spokes. Hospitals will work in a hub and spoke model of care with access to a multislice CT scanner and CT perfusion image processing software (MIStar, Apollo Medical Imaging). The intervention, underpinned by behavioural theory and technical assistance, will be allocated sequentially, and clusters will move from the preintervention (control) period to the postintervention period. PRIMARY OUTCOME Proportion of all stroke patients receiving EVT, accounting for clustering. SECONDARY OUTCOMES Proportion of patients receiving IVT at PSCs, proportion of treated patients (IVT and/or EVT) with good (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2) or poor (mRS score 5-6) functional outcomes and European Quality of Life Scale scores 3 months postintervention, proportion of EVT-treated patients with symptomatic haemorrhage, and proportion of reperfusion therapy-treated patients with good versus poor outcome who presented with large vessel occlusion at spokes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained from the Hunter New England Human Research Ethics Committee (18/09/19/4.13, HREC/18/HNE/241, 2019/ETH01238). Trial results will be disseminated widely through published manuscripts, conference presentations and at national and international platforms regardless of whether the trial was positive or neutral. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619000750189; UTNU1111-1230-4161.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Ryan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martine Cox
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Olivia Whalen
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Bivard
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Bladin
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen M Davis
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce C V Campbell
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Parsons
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales South Western Sydney Clinical School, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rohan S Grimley
- Queensland State-wide Stroke Clinical Network, Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Craig Anderson
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Geoffrey A Donnan
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Oldmeadow
- Data Sciences, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Kuhle
- Queensland State-wide Stroke Clinical Network, Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frederick R Walker
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Hood
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steven Maltby
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela Keynes
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Candice Delcourt
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke Hatchwell
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alejandra Malavera
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qing Yang
- Apollo Medical Imaging Technology Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew Wong
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Claire Muller
- Queensland State-wide Stroke Clinical Network, Healthcare Improvement Unit, Queensland Health, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arman Sabet
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carlos Garcia-Esperon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Area Administration, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Brown
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Neil Spratt
- Division of Medicine, Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Translational Stroke Laboratory, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy Kleinig
- Department of Neurology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ken Butcher
- Department of Neurology, Liverpool Hospital, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, University of New South Wales South Western Sydney Clinical School, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Neuroscience, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher R Levi
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Area Administration, Hunter New England Local Health District, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
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Evans NR, Sibson L, Day DJ, Agarwal S, Shekhar R, Warburton EA. Hyperacute stroke thrombolysis via telemedicine: a multicentre study of performance, safety and clinical efficacy. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057372. [PMID: 35039306 PMCID: PMC8765016 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Timely thrombolysis of ischaemic stroke improves functional recovery, yet its delivery nationally is challenging due to shortages in the stroke specialist workforce and large geographical areas. One solution is remote stroke specialist input to regional centres via telemedicine. This study evaluates the usage and key metrics of performance of the East of England Stroke Telemedicine Partnership-the largest telestroke service in the UK-in providing hyperacute stroke care. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING The East of England Stroke Telemedicine Partnership provides a horizontal 'hubless' model of out-of-hours hyperacute stroke care to a population of 6.2 million across a 7500 square mile semirural region. PARTICIPANTS All (2709) telestroke consultations between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thrombolysis decision, pre-thrombolysis and post-thrombolysis stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS), haemorrhagic complications, and hyperacute pathway timings. RESULTS Over the period, 1149 (42.4%) individuals were thrombolysed. Thrombolysis rates increased from 147/379 (38.8%) in 2014 to 225/490 (45.9%) in 2019. Median (IQR) pre-thrombolysis NIHSS was 10 (6-17), reducing to 6 (2-14) 24-hour post-thrombolysis (p<0.001). Post-thrombolysis haemorrhage occurred in 27 cases (2.3%). Over the period, median (IQR) door-to-needle time reduced from 85 (65-108) min to 68 (55-97.5) min (p<0.01), driven by improved imaging-to-needle times from 52.5 (38-72.25) min to 42 (30.5-62.5) min (p<0.01). However, the same period saw an increase in median onset-to-hospital arrival time from 77.5 (60-109.25) min to 95 (70-135) min (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results from this large hyperacute telestroke cohort indicate two important points for clinical practice. First, telemedicine via a hubless horizontal model provides a clinically effective and safe method for delivering hyperacute stroke thrombolysis. Second, improved door-to-needle times were offset by a concerning rise in prehospital timings. These findings indicate that although telemedicine may benefit in-hospital hyperacute stroke care, improvements across the whole stroke pathway are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Richard Evans
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lynda Sibson
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Diana J Day
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Smriti Agarwal
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raj Shekhar
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, King's Lynn, Norfolk, UK
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Hood RJ, Maltby S, Keynes A, Kluge MG, Nalivaiko E, Ryan A, Cox M, Parsons MW, Paul CL, Garcia-Esperon C, Spratt NJ, Levi CR, Walker FR. Development and Pilot Implementation of TACTICS VR: A Virtual Reality-Based Stroke Management Workflow Training Application and Training Framework. Front Neurol 2021; 12:665808. [PMID: 34858305 PMCID: PMC8631764 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.665808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Delays in acute stroke treatment contribute to severe and negative impacts for patients and significant healthcare costs. Variability in clinical care is a contributor to delayed treatment, particularly in rural, regional and remote (RRR) areas. Targeted approaches to improve stroke workflow processes improve outcomes, but numerous challenges exist particularly in RRR settings. Virtual reality (VR) applications can provide immersive and engaging training and overcome some existing training barriers. We recently initiated the TACTICS trial, which is assessing a "package intervention" to support advanced CT imaging and streamlined stroke workflow training. As part of the educational component of the intervention we developed TACTICS VR, a novel VR-based training application to upskill healthcare professionals in optimal stroke workflow processes. In the current manuscript, we describe development of the TACTICS VR platform which includes the VR-based training application, a user-facing website and an automated back-end data analytics portal. TACTICS VR was developed via an extensive and structured scoping and consultation process, to ensure content was evidence-based, represented best-practice and is tailored for the target audience. Further, we report on pilot implementation in 7 Australian hospitals to assess the feasibility of workplace-based VR training. A total of 104 healthcare professionals completed TACTICS VR training. Users indicated a high level of usability, acceptability and utility of TACTICS VR, including aspects of hardware, software design, educational content, training feedback and implementation strategy. Further, users self-reported increased confidence in their ability to make improvements in stroke management after TACTICS VR training (post-training mean ± SD = 4.1 ± 0.6; pre-training = 3.6 ± 0.9; 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Very few technical issues were identified, supporting the feasibility of this training approach. Thus, we propose that TACTICS VR is a fit-for-purpose, evidence-based training application for stroke workflow optimisation that can be readily deployed on-site in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Hood
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven Maltby
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Angela Keynes
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Murielle G Kluge
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Eugene Nalivaiko
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Annika Ryan
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Martine Cox
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Parsons
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christine L Paul
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Carlos Garcia-Esperon
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil J Spratt
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Levi
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,The Sydney Partnership for Health, Education, Research and Enterprise (SPHERE), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Frederick R Walker
- Centre for Advanced Training Systems, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
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8
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Lowther HJ, Harrison J, Hill JE, Gaskins NJ, Lazo KC, Clegg AJ, Connell LA, Garrett H, Gibson JME, Lightbody CE, Watkins CL. The effectiveness of quality improvement collaboratives in improving stroke care and the facilitators and barriers to their implementation: a systematic review. Implement Sci 2021; 16:95. [PMID: 34732211 PMCID: PMC8564999 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-021-01162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To successfully reduce the negative impacts of stroke, high-quality health and care practices are needed across the entire stroke care pathway. These practices are not always shared across organisations. Quality improvement collaboratives (QICs) offer a unique opportunity for key stakeholders from different organisations to share, learn and ‘take home’ best practice examples, to support local improvement efforts. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of QICs in improving stroke care and explored the facilitators and barriers to implementing this approach. Methods Five electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library) were searched up to June 2020, and reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were screened. Studies conducted in an adult stroke care setting, which involved multi-professional stroke teams participating in a QIC, were included. Data was extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. For overall effectiveness, a vote-counting method was used. Data regarding facilitators and barriers was extracted and mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Twenty papers describing twelve QICs used in stroke care were included. QICs varied in their setting, part of the stroke care pathway, and their improvement focus. QIC participation was associated with improvements in clinical processes, but improvements in patient and other outcomes were limited. Key facilitators were inter- and intra-organisational networking, feedback mechanisms, leadership engagement, and access to best practice examples. Key barriers were structural changes during the QIC’s active period, lack of organisational support or prioritisation of QIC activities, and insufficient time and resources to participate in QIC activities. Patient and carer involvement, and health inequalities, were rarely considered. Conclusions QICs are associated with improving clinical processes in stroke care; however, their short-term nature means uncertainty remains as to whether they benefit patient outcomes. Evidence around using a QIC to achieve system-level change in stroke is equivocal. QIC implementation can be influenced by individual and organisational level factors, and future efforts to improve stroke care using a QIC should be informed by the facilitators and barriers identified. Future research is needed to explore the sustainability of improvements when QIC support is withdrawn. Trial registration Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020193966). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-021-01162-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Lowther
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK.
| | - Joanna Harrison
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - James E Hill
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicola J Gaskins
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Kimberly C Lazo
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew J Clegg
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise A Connell
- Faculty of Allied Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK
| | - Hilary Garrett
- National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK
| | - Josephine M E Gibson
- Faculty of Health and Care, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK
| | | | - Caroline L Watkins
- Applied Health Research hub (AHRh), University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast (NIHR ARC NWC), Liverpool, UK.,Faculty of Health and Care, University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), Preston, UK
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9
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Park PSW, Frost T, Tan S, Wong J, Pope A, Dewey HM, Choi PMC. The Quest to Reduce Stroke Treatment Delays at A Melbourne Metropolitan Primary Stroke Centre over the Last Two Decades. Intern Med J 2021; 52:1978-1985. [PMID: 34142750 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing door-to-needle time (DNT) for intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke can lead to improved patient outcomes. Long-term reports on DNT trends in Australia are lacking in the setting of extension of the thrombolysis time window, addition of mechanical thrombectomy and increasing presentations. AIMS To examine 17-year trends of DNT and identify factors associated with improved DNT at a high-volume, metropolitan primary stroke centre. METHOD Retrospective study between 2003 and 2019 of all thrombolysis cases using departmental stroke database. Since most strategies were implemented from 2012 onwards, intervention period has been defined as period 2012-2019. Factors associated with DNT reduction were examined by regression modelling. RESULTS 15 strategies were identified including alterations to 'Code Stroke' processes. 1250 patients were thrombolysed, with 737 (58.8%) treated during the intervention period. The proportion of DNT ≤60- minutes rose from average of 22.5% during 2003-2012 to 63% during 2015-2018 and 71% in 2019. However, median DNT has only marginally improved from 58 to 51 minutes between 2015 and 2019. Faster DNT was independently associated with two modifiable workflow factors, 'Direct-to-CT' protocol (P < 0.001) and acute stroke nurse presence (P < 0.005). Over time, treated patients were older and less independent (P < 0.001), and the number of annual stroke admissions and 'Code Stroke' activations have risen by 4- and 10-fold to 748 and 1298 by 2019, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Targeted quality improvement initiatives are key to reducing thrombolysis treatment delays in the Australian metropolitan setting. Relative stagnation in DNT improvement is concerning and needs further investigation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S W Park
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tanya Frost
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shuangyue Tan
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Wong
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alun Pope
- Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen M Dewey
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip M C Choi
- Department of Neurosciences, Box Hill Hospital, Eastern Health, Victoria, Australia.,Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Tejada Meza H, Saldaña Inda I, Serrano Ponz M, Ara JR, Marta Moreno J. Impact of a series of measures for optimisation hospital code stroke care on door-to-needle times. Neurologia 2020; 38:S0213-4853(20)30273-5. [PMID: 33069450 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2020.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. METHODS Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. RESULTS The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P<.001), with 73.5% of patients treated within 60minutes (a 47% increase; P<.001). Median overall time to treatment (onset-to-needle time) was reduced by 20minutes (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The measures included in our protocol achieved a significant, sustained reduction in door-to-needle times, although there remains room for improvement. The mechanisms established for monitoring outcomes and for continuous improvement will enable further advances in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Tejada Meza
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Sección de Neurointervencionismo, Servicio de Radiología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España.
| | - I Saldaña Inda
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - M Serrano Ponz
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España; Departamento de Medicina, Psiquiatría y Dermatología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, España
| | - J R Ara
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España; Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España
| | - J Marta Moreno
- Sección de Neurovascular, Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, España
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