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Lai KE, Carey AR, Lee AG, Van Stavern GP. Telemedicine in Neuro-Ophthalmology Is Ready for Prime Time. J Neuroophthalmol 2024; 44:423-436. [PMID: 38967484 DOI: 10.1097/wno.0000000000002206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Lai
- Department of Ophthalmology (KEL), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (KEL), University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky; Ophthalmology Section (KEL), Surgery Service, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Neuro-Ophthalmology Section (KEL), Midwest Eye Institute, Carmel, Indiana; Circle City Neuro-Ophthalmology (KEL), Carmel, Indiana; Wilmer Eye Institute (ARC), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Blanton Eye Institute (AGL), Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas; and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (GPVS), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Lu XY, Lv QY, Li QL, Zhang H, Chen CT, Tian HM. Impact of acupuncture on ischemia/reperfusion injury: Unraveling the role of miR-34c-5p and autophagy activation. Brain Res Bull 2024; 215:111031. [PMID: 39002935 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.111031] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
We have previously reported that the expression of miR-34c-5p was up-regulated during acupuncture treatment in the setting of a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI), indicating that miR-34c-5p plays an important role in healing from a CIRI-induced brain injury. This study sought to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on miR-34c-5p expression and autophagy in the forward and reverse directions using a rat focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. After 120 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, rats were treated with acupuncture at the "Dazhui" (DU20), "Baihui" (DU26) and "Renzhong" (DU14) points. Neurologic function deficit score, cerebral infarct area ratio, neuronal apoptosis and miR-34c-5p expression were evaluated 72 hr after treatment. The autophagy agonist RAPA and the antagonist 3MA were used to evaluate the neuro protective effects of autophagy-mediated acupuncture. We found that acupuncture treatment improved autophagy in the brain tissue of CIRI rats. Acupuncture reversed the negative effects of 3MA on CIRI, and acupuncture combined with RAPA further enhanced autophagy. We also found that acupuncture could increase miR-34c-5p expression in hippocampal neurons after ischemia/reperfusion. Acupuncture and a miR-34c agomir were able to enhance autophagy, improve neurologic deficits, and reduce the cerebral infarct area ratio and apoptosis rate by promoting the expression of miR-34c-5p. Silencing miR-34c resulted in a significantly reduced activating effect of acupuncture on autophagy and increased apoptosis, neurologic deficit symptoms, and cerebral infarct area ratio. This confirms that acupuncture can upregulate miR-34c-5p expression, which is beneficial in the treatment of CIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ye Lu
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China; Department of Rehabilitation, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province 410004, China
| | - Qian-Yi Lv
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China
| | - Qi-Long Li
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China
| | - Chu-Tao Chen
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China.
| | - Hao-Mei Tian
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina and Rehabilitation, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan Province 410007, China.
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Mohamed A, Elsherif S, Legere B, Fatima N, Shuaib A, Saqqur M. Is telestroke more effective than conventional treatment for acute ischemic stroke? A systematic review and meta-analysis of patient outcomes and thrombolysis rates. Int J Stroke 2024; 19:280-292. [PMID: 37752674 PMCID: PMC10903130 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231206066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telestroke systems operate through remote communication, providing distant stroke evaluation through expert healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to assess whether the implementation of a telestroke system influenced stroke treatment outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients compared with conventional in-person treatment. AIMS The study group evaluated multiple studies from electronic databases, comparing telemedicine (TM) and non-telemedicine (NTM) AIS patients between 1999 and 2022. We aimed to evaluate baseline characteristics, critical treatment times, and clinical outcomes. SUMMARY OF REVIEW A total of 12,540 AIS patients were included in our study with 7936 (63.9%) thrombolyzed patients. Of the thrombolyzed patients, 4150 (51.7%) were treated with TM, while 3873 (48.3%) were not. The mean age of TM and NTM cohorts was 70.45 ± 4.68 and 70.42 ± 4.63, respectively (p > 0.05). Mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores were comparable, with the TM group reporting a non-significantly higher mean (11.89 ± 3.29.6 vs. 11.13 ± 3.65, p > 0.05). No significant difference in outcomes was found for symptoms onset-to-intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (ivtPA) times (144.09 ± 18.87 vs. 147.18 ± 25.97, p = 0.632) and door-to-needle times (73.03 ± 20.04 vs. 65.91 ± 25.96, p = 0.321). Modified Rankin scale scores (0-2) were evaluated, and no significant difference was detected between cohorts (odds ratio (OR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-1.29, p = 0.500). Outcomes did not indicate any significance between both cohorts for 90-day mortality (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.94-1.43, p = 0.17) or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.73-1.34, p = 0.93). Results between groups were also non-significant when analyzing the rate of thrombolysis with ivtPA (30.86%± 30.7 vs. 20.5%± 18.6, p = 0.372) and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (11.8%± 11.7 vs. 18.7%± 18.9, p = 0.508). CONCLUSION The use of telestroke in the treatment of AIS patients is safe with minimal non-significant differences in long-term outcomes and rates of thrombolysis compared with face-to-face treatment. Further studies comparing the different methods of TM are needed to assess the efficacy of TM in stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohamed
- Biology Department (Physiology), McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Salah Elsherif
- Department of Health Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Brittney Legere
- Department of Applied Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Nida Fatima
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Department of Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maher Saqqur
- Department of Neurology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Hafeez K, Kushlaf H, Al-Sultani H, Joseph AC, Zaeem Z, Siddiqi Z, Laboy S, Pulley M, Habib AA, Robbins NM, Zadeh S, Hafeez MU, Hussain Y, Melendez-Zaidi A, Kassardjian C, Johnson K, Leonhard H, Biliciler S, Patino Murillas JE, Shaibani AI. Patient preference for virtual versus in-person visits in neuromuscular clinical practice. Muscle Nerve 2022; 66:142-147. [PMID: 35596667 PMCID: PMC9540760 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/Aims It is unknown if patients with neuromuscular diseases prefer in‐person or virtual telemedicine visits. We studied patient opinions and preference on virtual versus in‐person visits, and the factors influencing such preferences. Methods Telephone surveys, consisting of 11 questions, of patients from 10 neuromuscular centers were completed. Results Five hundred and twenty surveys were completed. Twenty‐six percent of respondents preferred virtual visits, while 50% preferred in‐person visits. Sixty‐four percent reported physical interaction as “very important.” For receiving a new diagnosis, 55% preferred in‐person vs 35% reporting no preference. Forty percent were concerned about a lack of physical examination vs 20% who were concerned about evaluating vital signs. Eighty four percent reported virtual visits were sufficiently private. Sixty eight percent did not consider expenses a factor in their preference. Although 92% were comfortable with virtual communication technology, 55% preferred video communications, and 19% preferred phone calls. Visit preference was not significantly associated with gender, diagnosis, disease severity, or symptom management. Patients who were concerned about a lack of physical exam or assessment of vitals had significantly higher odds of selecting in‐person visits than no preference. Discussion Although neither technology, privacy, nor finance burdened patients in our study, more patients preferred in‐person visits than virtual visits and 40% were concerned about a lack of physical examination. Interactions that occur with in‐person encounters had high importance for patients, reflecting differences in the perception of the patient‐physician relationship between virtual and in‐person visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Hafeez
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Husam Al-Sultani
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Zoya Zaeem
- University of Alberta, Canada, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zaeem Siddiqi
- University of Alberta, Canada, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Ali A Habib
- University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | | | - Sean Zadeh
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Muhammad Ubaid Hafeez
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Suur Biliciler
- UT Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Aziz I Shaibani
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Nerve and Muscle Center of Texas, Houston, Texas, USA
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Effect of telestroke practices on short-term mortality in ischemic stroke patients. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.16899/jcm.973616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Dudas LM, Bardes JM, Wagner AK, White T, Wilson AM. Cost Effective Virtual Intensive Care Unit Expanding Capabilities in Critical Access Hospitals. Am Surg 2021:31348211062653. [PMID: 34961353 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211062653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tele-consults provide access to specialized care for a specific question and single point in time. eICU models utilize remote monitoring and ordering but have significant financial burden. We developed a virtual intensive care unit (VICU) for daily input of an intensivist working with local physicians. The purpose was to expand the acute care ability of the critical access hospital (CAH). The study evaluates the impact on the CAH and system. METHODS The CAH developed an ICU team, led by a hospitalist, who staffed the intensive care unit (ICU). The CAH ICU team rounds daily via a secure video link to provide care in consultation with intensivists based at a university, tertiary care center (TC). A retrospective analysis was conducted 6 months before and after implementation (4/2018-3/2019). Fisher's exact test was used to compare pre- and post-intervention with significance at P < .04. RESULTS After VICU implementation, there were 265 initial daily and 35 follow-up consults. Monthly transfers to a higher level of care decreased from 63 to 57 (P = .03). Transfers to TC increased from 49.6 to 62.0% (P = .001). Critical access hospital average monthly census and average monthly inpatient days increased (69 to 130 (P < .0001) and 158 to 319 (P < .0001), respectively). Critical access hospital physicians report increased comfort to admit ICU and non-ICU patients due to the program. The total startup cost was $5180. CAH hired 11 providers. There were no unanticipated deaths. DISCUSSION VICU implementation resulted in new CAH jobs. The CAH experienced increased inpatient census and revenues (ICU and non-ICU) while decreasing patients transferred out of the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Dudas
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, 53422West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - James M Bardes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, 53422West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Afton K Wagner
- Jon Michael Moore Trauma Center, 53422West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - Alison M Wilson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery & Surgical Critical Care, 53422West Virginia University Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The European Stroke Organisation published a European Stroke Action Plan (SAP-E) for the years 2018-2030. The SAP-E addresses the entire chain of care from primary prevention through to life after stroke. Within this document digital health tools are suggested for their potential to facilitate greater access to stroke care. In this review, we searched for digital health solutions for every domain of the SAP-E. RECENT FINDINGS Currently available digital health solutions for the cerebrovascular disease have been designed to support professionals and patients in healthcare settings at all stages. Telemedicine in acute settings has notably increased the access to tissue plasminogen activator and thrombectomy whereas in poststroke settings it has improved access to rehabilitation. Moreover, numerous applications aim to monitor vital signs and prescribed treatment adherence. SUMMARY SAP-E with its seven domains covers the whole continuum of stroke care, where digital health solutions have been considered to provide utility at a low cost. These technologies are progressively being used in all phases of stroke care, allowing them to overcome geographical and organizational barriers. The commercially available applications may also be used by patients and their careers in various context to facilitate accessibility to health improvement strategies.
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Aquino ERDS, Domingues RB, Mantese CE, Fantini FGMM, Nitrini R, Prado GFD. Telemedicine use among neurologists before and during COVID-19 pandemic. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:658-664. [PMID: 34231649 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the public health emergency due to COVID-19 was declared in Brazil, the federal government temporarily regulated and authorized the use of telemedicine services for patient consultation, monitoring, and diagnosis. For more than a decade, neurologists have recognized the benefits of telemedicine in the acute management of stroke patients. However, as the use of telemedicine was restricted until the COVID-19 pandemic, the view of Brazilian neurologists about telemedicine is unknown. METHODS All neurologists registered at the Brazilian Academy of Neurology were invited by e-mail to participate in a survey about personal perceptions on telemedicine use. RESULTS One hundred sixty-two neurologists from all regions of Brazil answered the online questionnaire. The survey showed that 18.5% of participants worked with telemedicine before the pandemic, while 63.6% reported working with telemedicine during the pandemic. The main telemedicine modalities used during the pandemic were teleorientation and teleconsultation. DISCUSSION According to our data, the COVID-19 pandemic deeply influenced the behavior of Brazilian neurologists, who developed a more favorable view about telemedicine and actively searched for information about telemedicine. As there is a need for more training in this area in Brazil, universities and medical societies must strive to improve telemedicine education. Expanding the use of high-quality teleneurology can contribute to a better care for patients with neurological diseases in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle Roberta da Silva Aquino
- Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Renan Barros Domingues
- Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Santa Casa de Misericórdia, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Mantese
- Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Mãe de Deus, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Diretoria Científica, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Gilmar Fernandes do Prado
- Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Diretoria Executiva, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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Domingues RB, Mantese CE, Aquino EDS, Fantini FGMM, Prado GFD, Nitrini R. Telemedicine in neurology: current evidence. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:818-826. [PMID: 33295422 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telemedicine was first introduced in Neurology as a tool to facilitate access to acute stroke treatment. More recently, evidence has emerged of the use of telemedicine in several other areas of Neurology. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for social isolation, Brazilian authorities have expanded the regulation of the use of telemedicine, thus allowing the treatment of many patients with neurological diseases to be conducted with less risk of SARS-CoV-2 contamination. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to critically review the current evidence of the use, efficacy, safety, and usefulness of telemedicine in Neurology. METHODS A review of PubMed indexed articles was carried out by searching for the terms "telemedicine AND": "headache", "multiple sclerosis", "vestibular disorders", "cerebrovascular diseases", "epilepsy", "neuromuscular diseases", "dementia", and "movement disorders". The more relevant studies in each of these areas were critically analyzed. RESULTS Several articles were found and analyzed in each of these areas of Neurology. The main described contributions of telemedicine in the diagnosis and treatment of such neurological conditions were presented, indicating a great potential of use of this type of assistance in all these fields. CONCLUSION Current evidence supports that teleneurology can be a tool to increase care for patients suffering from neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renan Barros Domingues
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Mantese
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Mãe de Deus, Porto Alegre RS, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle da Silva Aquino
- Comissão Aberta de Telemedicina, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Hospital Sírio Libanês, Telemedicina, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | | | - Gilmar Fernandes do Prado
- Diretoria Executiva, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Nitrini
- Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil.,Diretoria Científica, Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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Mohanty A, Srinivasan VM, Burkhardt JK, Johnson J, Patel AJ, Sheth SA, Viswanathan A, Yoshor D, Kan P. Ambulatory neurosurgery in the COVID-19 era: patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine. Neurosurg Focus 2020; 49:E13. [PMID: 33260126 DOI: 10.3171/2020.9.focus20596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telemedicine has rapidly expanded in the recent years as technologies have afforded healthcare practitioners the ability to diagnose and treat patients remotely. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nonessential clinical visits were greatly limited, and much of the outpatient neurosurgical practice at the authors' institution was shifted quickly to telehealth. Although there are prior data suggesting that the use of telemedicine is satisfactory in other surgical fields, data in neurosurgery are limited. This study aimed to investigate both patient and provider satisfaction with telemedicine and its strengths and limitations in outpatient neurosurgery visits. METHODS This quality improvement study was designed to analyze provider and patient satisfaction with telemedicine consultations in an outpatient neurosurgery clinic setting at a tertiary care, large-volume, academic center. The authors designed an 11-question survey for neurosurgical providers and a 13-question survey for patients using both closed 5-point Likert scale responses and multiple choice responses. The questionnaires were administered to patients and providers during the period when the clinic restricted in-person visits. At the conclusion of the study, the overall data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS During the study period, 607 surveys were sent out to patients seen by telehealth at the authors' academic center, and 122 responses were received. For the provider survey, 85 surveys were sent out to providers at the authors' center and other academic centers, and 40 surveys were received. Ninety-two percent of patients agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with that particular telehealth visit. Eighty-eight percent of patients agreed that their telehealth visit was more convenient for them than an in-person visit, but only 36% of patients stated they would like their future visits to be telehealth. Sixty-three percent of providers agreed that telehealth visits were more convenient for them than in-person visits, and 85% of responding providers stated that they wished to incorporate telehealth into their future practice. CONCLUSIONS Although the authors' transition to telehealth was both rapid and unexpected, most providers and patients reported positive experiences with their telemedicine visits and found telemedicine to be an effective form of ambulatory neurosurgical care. Not all patients preferred telemedicine visits over in-person visits, but the high satisfaction with telemedicine by both providers and patients is promising to the future expansion of telehealth in ambulatory neurosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Mohanty
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and
| | | | | | - Jeremiah Johnson
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and
| | - Akash J Patel
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and
| | - Sameer A Sheth
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and
| | | | - Daniel Yoshor
- 1Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and
| | - Peter Kan
- 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Malik P, Anwar A, Patel R, Patel U. Expansion of the dimensions in the current management of acute ischemic stroke. J Neurol 2020; 268:3185-3202. [PMID: 32436103 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09873-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States with a huge burden on health care. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) accounts for 87% of all stroke. The use of thrombolytic agents in AIS treatment is well known since 1950 but no FDA approval until 1996, due to lack of strong evidence showing benefits outweigh the risk of intracranial hemorrhage. The NINDS trial led to the approval of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator treatment (IV recombinant tPA) within 3 h of stroke. Due to this limitation of 3-4.5 h. window, evolution began in the development of effective endovascular therapy (EVT). Multiple trials were unsuccessful in establishing the strong evidence for effectiveness of EVT. In 2015, MR CLEAN trial made progress and showed improved outcomes with EVT in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), with 6-h window period. In 2018, two major trials-DAWN and DEFUSE 3-along with few other trials had shown improved outcomes with EVT and stretched window period from 6 to 24 h. AHA Stroke Council is constantly working to provide focused guidelines and recommendations in AIS management since 2013. SVIN had started the initiative "Mission Thrombectomy-2020" to increase global EVT utilization rate 202,000 procedures by 2020. Physicians are using safer and easier approach like brachial and radial approach for EVT. TeleNeurology and artificial intelligence also played a significant role in increasing the availability of IV recombinant tPA in AIS treatment in remote hospitals and also in screening, triaging and identifying LVO patients for EVT. In this review article, we aim to describe the history of stroke management along with the new technological advancements in AIS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Malik
- Department of Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Pl, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Arsalan Anwar
- Department of Neurology, UH Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ruti Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Windsor University School of Medicine, Frankfort, IL, USA
| | - Urvish Patel
- Department of Neurology and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Ohannessian R, Schott AM, Colin C, Nighoghossian N, Medeiros de Bustos E, Moulin T. Acute telestroke in France: A systematic review. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:316-324. [PMID: 32147201 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute telestroke is the use of telemedicine to improve acute stroke care. It has demonstrated to be a safe and effective medical practice. Since 2011, acute telestroke has been promoted by the Ministry of Health in France, and in 2018 many regions were in the process or completion of implementing telestroke. The objective of this study was to describe acute telestroke implementation in France. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Articles and abstracts in English and French, published between January 1st, 2000 to April 30th, 2018 were used. Studies conducted in France and that had presented an outcome evaluation of a regional acute telestroke activity were included. No meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS A total of 24 studies (14 in French, 10 in English) were included, with 13 published articles (7 indexed on PubMed) and 11 abstracts. Among the 13 published articles, there were seven observational retrospective studies, one quasi-experimental before-after study, one experimental randomised controlled trial, and four medico-economic studies. All telestroke network models of care were drip-and-ship with hub and spoke organisation. The case-control studies did not show a difference with or without telemedicine. The territorial thrombolysis rate was measured in two regions, with an increase in Franche-Comté from 0.2% (2004) to 9.9% (2015), and a relative increase of 76% in Nord-Pas-de-Calais between 2009-2010 and 2012. CONCLUSION Implementation of acute telestroke in France had a positive clinical and public health impact but the evaluation remained limited and needs to be supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ohannessian
- CIC-1431 Inserm département de Neurologie, EA 481 laboratoire de neurosciences intégratives et cliniques université de Franche-Comté, UBFC, CHRU de Besançon, Besançon, France; Télémédecine 360, TLM360, Paris, France.
| | - A-M Schott
- HESPER EA 7425, université Lyon, université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; Pôle IMER, hospices civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - C Colin
- HESPER EA 7425, université Lyon, université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France; Pôle IMER, hospices civils de Lyon, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - N Nighoghossian
- Unité neurovasculaire, hôpital Pierre-Wertheimer, hospices Civils de Lyon, 69677 Bron cedex, France
| | | | - T Moulin
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France; French Society of Telemedicine, Paris, France
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Astudillo C, Ankrom C, Trevino A, Malazarte RM, Bambhroliya AB, Savitz S, Topel CH, Milling TJ, Wu TC. Rationale and design of a statewide telestroke registry: Lone Star Stroke Consortium Telestroke Registry (LeSteR). BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026496. [PMID: 31488463 PMCID: PMC6731890 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Lone Star Stroke Consortium Telestroke Registry (LeSteR) currently consisting of 3 academic hub centres and 27 partner spokes is a statewide initiative organised by leading academic health centres in the State of Texas to understand practice patterns of acute stroke management via telestroke (TS) in Texas, a state with one of the largest rural populations in the USA. METHODS AND ANALYSIS All patients who had presumed stroke for whom a TS consultation has been obtained in the network are entered into a web-based, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant database from September 2013 to present. Spokes were enrolled into LeSteR in a staggered approach in two data collection phases: a retrospective phase and a prospective phase. Basic clinical, demographic data and relevant time metrics are collected in the retrospective phase. Starting 1 September 2015, additional outcome data including 90-day modified Rankin score, readmission and 90-day disposition are obtained by a standard phone interview. From the registry initiation to 31 December 2017, there are 8089 patients who had suspected stroke in the registry. Over 60% of patients enrolled after 1 September 2015 have reported outcome data. Enrolment is still active for this registry. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION LeSteR is a statewide TS registry organised by academic health centres that will provide significant insight regarding the impact of TS in the State of Texas. Findings from LeSteR will provide data that can be analysed to improve the allocation of healthcare resources using TS to treat stroke in a state with one of the largest rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Astudillo
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christy Ankrom
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa Trevino
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rene M Malazarte
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Arvind B Bambhroliya
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sean Savitz
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher H Topel
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Truman J Milling
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Tzu-Ching Wu
- Department of Neurology, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
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Patel UK, Malik P, DeMasi M, Lunagariya A, Jani VB. Multidisciplinary Approach and Outcomes of Tele-neurology: A Review. Cureus 2019; 11:e4410. [PMID: 31205830 PMCID: PMC6561521 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.4410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In rural and underserved areas, there are restrictions in healthcare due to the lack of availability of neurologists; patients have to travel long distances to receive the required care. Considering the fact that neurological conditions have large mortality and disability rates, there is a need for innovative services like tele-neurology. It is an important tool in improving the health and quality of life by using different ways of communication between neurologists and patients, or neurologists and other providers. We examine the current types of facilities available in tele-neurology, as well as outcomes, barriers, limitations, legal litigations, and the multidisciplinary nature based on prior studies. We have also suggested recommendations for the future of tele-neurology including effective-accessibility and inexpensive-utilization in developing countries. There are various tele-health programs created by The Veterans Health Administration including a clinical video tele-health (CVT) system. This system allows direct patient care of veterans by neurologists. The University of South Carolina implemented a web-based tele-stroke program in which acute ischemic stroke patients were treated in the Emergency Department (ED) of rural hospitals by neurologists, after consulting with rural ED physicians. With growing technology and popularity of tele-neurology, there are now international collaborative efforts in tele-medicine that are looking to be adapted to tele-neurology. Thus, tele-neurology can provide quality neurological care with patient satisfaction, as well as time and cost savings. The tele-stroke group established by TRUST-tPA trial (Therapeutic Trial Evaluating Efficacy of Telemedicine (TELESTROKE) of Patients With Acute Stroke) has 10 community hospital-emergency rooms that were connected to a stroke center. It was found that tele-stroke is appropriate in places where there is no way for a patient to access a stroke unit within a 4.5-hour time window. Like other tele-neurology subtypes, tele-epilepsy and pediatric tele-neurology also offer more follow-up care to people of remote areas which have limited access. There are other subtypes like mental health, chronic neurological care, and hospitalist which are very effective in improving outcome and quality of life of people living in remote areas. Tele-neurology has effectively reduced travel costs and times; there is high patient satisfaction and reduced disparity for general and specialized neurological care. But there are certain limitations like large equipment costs, certain bandwidth requirement, and trained staff to use the equipment. Transmission of patient information using public internet raises the concern of legality. There should be sufficient encryption to satisfy the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements to ensure patient confidentiality and safety of personal data. The adaptation of tele-neurology is a powerful and innovative way to enhance healthcare in areas with a shortage of specialists. Implementation of this tool is limited due to cost burden, lack of expertise to implement necessary technology, legal litigations, and suitable financial and professional incentives for the users. This review focuses on the trajectory of utilization and the issues to be addressed in order to provide the full benefits of tele-neurology to undeserved communities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvish K Patel
- Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Preeti Malik
- Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, USA
| | - Matthew DeMasi
- Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, USA
| | | | - Vishal B Jani
- Neurology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, USA
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Bedaiwi II, Alfaraj SZ, Pines JM. National trends in stroke and TIA care in U.S. emergency departments and inpatient hospitalizations (2006-2014). Am J Emerg Med 2018; 36:1870-1873. [PMID: 30107968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examine recent trends in U.S. emergency department (ED) and hospital care for stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA). METHOD We used national ED and inpatient data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2006-14. We explored trends in care and outcomes for patients treated in U.S. hospitals with stroke and TIA using descriptive statistics, as well as intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), a complication of stroke treatment. RESULTS From 2006 to 14, there were 3.9 million U.S. ED visits with stroke and 2.5 million with TIA. Over the study, stroke visits grew 25% while TIA decreased 2%. Both conditions were more common among women and older adults, and most had Medicare insurance; however, Medicaid increased from 5.8% to 9.6% for stroke and 4.3% to 7.5% for TIA. Full inpatient hospitalizations fell for stroke from 89% to 83%, and TIA from 61% to 47%. Transfers from the ED for stroke & TIA increased from 4% to 8% and 2% to 5%, respectively. Inpatient mortality decreased for stroke & ICH and costs increased for all three conditions; however, length of stay (LOS) did not significantly change. CONCLUSION Over this nine-year study period, the average age of stroke & TIA patients was unchanged in U.S. hospitals; however, the proportion with Medicaid insurance increased considerably. Stroke incidence increased while TIA decreased slightly. Full inpatient hospitalizations are declining for both conditions, while transfers are on the rise. Average inpatient costs increased dramatically for all three conditions while mortality for stroke & ICH fell significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam I Bedaiwi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Center for Healthcare Innovation & Policy Research, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sukayna Z Alfaraj
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia; Center for Healthcare Innovation & Policy Research, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jesse M Pines
- Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Center for Healthcare Innovation & Policy Research, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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Huang Q, Zhang JZ, Xu WD, Wu J. Generalization of the right acute stroke promotive strategies in reducing delays of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2018; 97:e11205. [PMID: 29924046 PMCID: PMC6024468 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000011205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The generalization of successful efforts for reducing time delays in intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) could help facilitate its utility and benefits in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for articles reporting interventions to reduce time delays in IVT, published between January 1995 and September 2017. The IVT rate was chosen as the primary outcome, while the compliance rates of onset-to-door time (prehospital delay) and door-to-needle time (in-hospital delay) within the targeted time frame were the secondary outcomes. Interventions designed to reduce prehospital, in-hospital, or total time delays were quantitatively described in meta-analyses. The efficacy of postintervention improvement was illustrated as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).In total, 86 papers (17 on prehospital, 56 on in-hospital, and 13 on total delay) encompassing 17,665 IVT cases were enrolled, including 28 American, 23 Asian, 30 European, and 5 Australian studies. The meta-analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in promoting IVT delivery after prehospital improvement interventions with an OR of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.23-1.71) for the new transportation protocol, 1.38 (95% CI, 1.11-1.73) for educational and training programs, and 1.83 (95% CI, 1.44-2.32) for comprehensive prehospital stroke code. The benefits of reducing in-hospital delay were much greater in developed western countries than in Asian countries, with ORs of 2.90 (95% CI, 2.51-3.34), 2.17 (95% CI, 1.95-2.41), and 1.89 (95% CI, 1.74-2.04) in American, European, and Asian countries, respectively. And telemedicine (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 2.08-2.46) seemed to work better than pre-notification alone (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.74-2.17) and in-hospital organizational improvement programs (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.97-2.23). Mobile stroke treatment unit and use of a comprehensive stroke pathway in the pre- and in-hospital settings significantly increased IVT rates by reducing total time delay, with ORs of 2.01 (95% CI, 1.60-2.51) and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.55-2.03), respectively.Optimization of the work flow with organizational improvement or novel technology could dramatically reduce pre- and in-hospital time delays of IVT in AIS. This study provided detailed information on the net and quantitative benefits of various programs for reducing time delays to facilitate the generalization of appropriate AIS management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Huang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jing-ze Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Wen-deng Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University
- Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
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Baratloo A, Rahimpour L, Abushouk AI, Safari S, Lee CW, Abdalvand A. Effects of Telestroke on Thrombolysis Times and Outcomes: A Meta-analysis. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2018; 22:472-484. [PMID: 29345529 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2017.1408728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telestroke systems are tools, used to provide an advanced stroke care in regions without sufficient neurologic services. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the effects of telemedicine on treatment times and clinical outcomes of acute stroke care. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted for original studies investigating telemedicine applications in acute stroke care. Dichotomous data on treatment outcomes were pooled as odds ratios (ORs), while continuous data on thrombolysis times were pooled as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence interval (CI), using RevMan software (version 5.3). RESULTS Pooling data from 26 studies (6605 thrombolysed patients) showed no significant differences between the telestroke and control groups in terms of in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.21, 95% CI [0.98, 1.49]), 90-day mortality (OR = 1.08, 95% CI [0.85, 1.37]), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) (OR = 1.10, 95% CI [0.79, 1.53]), and favorable clinical outcome at discharge (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [0.69, 1.53]) and 90 days later (OR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.82, 1.18]). The onset-to-door (OTD) duration (MD = -10.4 minutes, 95% CI [-14.79, -.01]) and length of hospital stay (MD = -0.55 days, 95% CI [-1.02, -0.07]) were significantly shorter in the telestroke group, compared to the control group. Although the overall effect estimate (under the fixed-effect model) showed a significant decrease in the onset-to-treatment (OTT) duration in the telestroke group (MD = -5.83 minutes, 95% CI [-8.57, -3.09]), employing the random-effects model for between-study heterogeneity abolished this significance (MD = -5.90 minutes, 95% CI [-13.23, 1.42]). CONCLUSION Telestroke significantly reduced OTD and hospital stay durations in stroke patients without increasing the risk of mortality or sICH. Therefore, telemedicine can improve stroke care in regional areas with minor experience in thrombolysis. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the benefits of telestroke systems, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and quality of life outcomes.
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Reyes AJ, Ramcharan K. Remote care of a patient with stroke in rural Trinidad: use of telemedicine to optimise global neurological care. BMJ Case Rep 2016; 2016:bcr-2016-215122. [PMID: 27485873 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-215122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a patient driven home care system that successfully assisted 24/7 with the management of a 68-year-old woman after a stroke-a global illness. The patient's caregiver and physician used computer devices, smartphones and internet access for information exchange. Patient, caregiver, family and physician satisfaction, coupled with outcome and cost were indictors of quality of care. The novelty of this basic model of teleneurology is characterised by implementing a patient/caregiver driven system designed to improve access to cost-efficient neurological care, which has potential for use in primary, secondary and tertiary levels of healthcare in rural and underserved regions of the world. We suggest involvement of healthcare stakeholders in teleneurology to address this global problem of limited access to neurological care. This model can facilitate the management of neurological diseases, impact on outcome, reduce frequency of consultations and hospitalisations, facilitate teaching of healthcare workers and promote research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jose Reyes
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Unit, San Fernando Teaching Hospital, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Kanterpersad Ramcharan
- Department of Medicine, San Fernando Teaching Hospital, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago Department of Medicine, Surgi-Med Clinic, San Fenando, Trinidad and Tobago
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