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Omran LL, Andersson Hagiwara M, Puaca G, Maurin Söderholm H. The impact of video consultation on interprofessional collaboration and professional roles: a simulation-based study in prehospital stroke chain of care. J Interprof Care 2024; 38:664-674. [PMID: 38717805 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2024.2344075] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Healthcare is often conducted by interprofessional teams. Research has shown that diverse groups with their own terminology and culture greatly influence collaboration and patient safety. Previous studies have focused on interhospital teams, and very little attention has been paid to team collaboration between intrahospital and prehospital care. Addressing this gap, the current study simulated a common and time-critical event for ambulance nurses (AN) that also required contact with a stroke specialist in a hospital. Today such consultations are usually conducted over the phone, this simulation added a video stream from the ambulance to the neurologist on call. The aim of this study was to explore interprofessional collaboration between AN's and neurologists when introducing video-support in the prehospital stroke chain of care. The study took place in Western Sweden. The simulated sessions were video recorded, and the participants were interviewed after the simulation. The results indicate that video has a significant impact on collaboration and can help to facilitate better understanding among different professional groups. The participants found the video to be a valuable complement to verbal information. The result also showed challenges in the form of a loss of patient focused care. Both ANs and neurologists saw the video as benefiting patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise-Lotte Omran
- PreHospen Centre for Prehospital Research, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | | | - Goran Puaca
- Faculty of Caring Science, Work Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
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2
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Lee HW, Ko YC, Tang SC, Hsieh MJ, Tsai LK, Chiang WC, Jeng JS, Ma MHM. Prehospital neurologic assessment using mobile phones: Comparison between neurologists and emergency physicians. J Formos Med Assoc 2024:S0929-6646(24)00292-4. [PMID: 38902123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2024.06.016] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambulance-based telestroke may be a promising solution to improving stroke care. We assessed the technical feasibility and reliability of prehospital evaluations using commercial mobile phones with fifth-generation wireless communication technology. METHODS Six standardized patients portrayed scripted stroke scenarios during ambulance transport in an urban city and were remotely evaluated by independent raters using tablets (three neurologists and three emergency physicians) in a hospital, assisted by paramedics (trained in National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] assessment) in the ambulance; commercial cellular networks were utilized for videoconferencing transmission. The primary outcomes were mean difference (MD) and correlation of NIHSS scores between the face-to-face and remote assessments. We also examined the Bland-Altman plot for itemized NIHSS components, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the differences in the duration of the two evaluations between neurologists and emergency physicians. RESULTS We conducted 32 ambulance runs and successfully completed all NIHSS examinations. No significant difference was found between the face-to-face and remote evaluations (MD, 0.782; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.520-0.395). The correlation of NIHSS scores between the two methods was 0.994 (95% CI, 0.945-1.026), and three items exhibited the highest frequency of runs, with score differences between the two methods. There were no significant differences between neurologists and emergency physicians in the mean evaluation duration and NIHSS scores for the two methods. CONCLUSION Prehospital evaluation using commercial mobile phones with fifth-generation wireless communication technology is feasible and reliable during ambulance transport in urban areas. Emergency physicians and neurologists performed similarly in stroke evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Wei Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chih Ko
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Chun Tang
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ju Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Kai Tsai
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chu Chiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin County, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Shing Jeng
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Matthew Huei-Ming Ma
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin County, Taiwan
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3
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Lam TJR, Liu Z, Tan BYQ, Ng YY, Tan CK, Wong XY, Venketasubramanian N, Yeo LLL, Ho AFW, Ong MEH. Prehospital stroke care in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2024:00077293-990000000-00102. [PMID: 38449072 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2023-066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Due to the narrow window of opportunity for stroke therapeutics to be employed, effectiveness of stroke care systems is predicated on the efficiency of prehospital stroke systems. A robust prehospital stroke system of care that provides a rapid and well-coordinated response maximises favourable poststroke outcomes, but achieving this presents a unique set of challenges dependent on demographic and geographical circumstances. Set in the context of a highly urbanised first-world nation with a rising burden of stroke, Singapore's prehospital stroke system has evolved to reflect the environment in which it operates. This review aims to characterise the current state of prehospital stroke care in Singapore, covering prehospital aspects of the stroke survival chain from symptom onset till arrival at the emergency department. We identify areas for improvement and innovation, as well as provide insights into the possible future of prehospital stroke care in Singapore.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhenghong Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Yih Ying Ng
- Department of Preventive and Population Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
| | - Colin Kaihui Tan
- Emergency Medical Services Department, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
| | - Xiang Yi Wong
- Emergency Medical Services Department, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Singapore
| | | | | | - Andrew Fu Wah Ho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Pre-Hospital and Emergency Research Centre, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Marcus Eng Hock Ong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Pre-Hospital and Emergency Research Centre, Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
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Dixon M, Appleton JP, Siriwardena AN, Williams J, Bath PM. A systematic review of ambulance service-based randomised controlled trials in stroke. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:4363-4378. [PMID: 37405524 PMCID: PMC10641071 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06910-w] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for stroke is time-dependent, and ambulance services play a vital role in the early recognition, assessment and transportation of stroke patients. Innovations which begin in ambulance services to expedite delivery of treatments for stroke are developing. However, research delivery in ambulance services is novel, developing and not fully understood. AIMS To synthesise literature encompassing ambulance service-based randomised controlled interventions for acute stroke with consideration to the characteristics of the type of intervention, consent modality, time intervals and issues unique to research delivery in ambulance services. Online searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL and WHO IRCTP databases and hand searches identified 15 eligible studies from 538. Articles were heterogeneous in nature and meta-analysis was partially available as 13 studies reported key time intervals, but terminology varied. Randomised interventions were evident across all points of contact with ambulance services: identification of stroke during the call for help, higher dispatch priority assigned to stroke, on-scene assessment and clinical interventions, direct referral to comprehensive stroke centres and definitive care delivery at scene. Consent methods ranged between informed patient, waiver and proxy modalities with country-specific variation. Challenges unique to the prehospital setting comprise the geographical distribution of ambulance resources, low recruitment rates, prolonged recruitment phases, management of investigational medicinal product and incomplete datasets. CONCLUSION Research opportunities exist across all points of contact between stroke patients and ambulance services, but randomisation and consent remain novel. Early collaboration and engagement between trialists and ambulance services will alleviate some of the complexities reported. REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO 2018CRD42018075803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Dixon
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health & Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jason P Appleton
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health & Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Julia Williams
- Department of Paramedic Science, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Philip M Bath
- Stroke Trials Unit, Mental Health & Clinical Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
- Stroke, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK.
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5
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English SW, Chhabra N, Hanus AE, Basharath R, Miller M, Butterfield RJ, Zhang N, Demaerschalk BM. Prehospital stroke scales outperform National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale in predicting large vessel occlusion in a large academic telestroke network. J Telemed Telecare 2023:1357633X231204066. [PMID: 37899587 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x231204066] [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: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prehospital telestroke evaluations may improve stroke triage compared to paramedic-applied large vessel occlusion scales, but ambulance-based video National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale assessments are challenging. The accuracy of telestroke-administered large vessel occlusion scales has not been investigated, so we sought to evaluate this further. METHODS This retrospective study included all in-hospital telestroke encounters in a large academic telestroke network from 2019 to 2020. We retrospectively calculated seven large vessel occlusion scales using the in-hospital telestroke National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation, Cincinnati Stroke Triage Assessment Tool, Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination, 3-Item Stroke Scale, Prehospital Acute Stroke Severity, Vision-Aphasia-Neglect, and Gaze-Face-Arm-Speech-Time). Diagnostic performance was assessed via sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy using established scale thresholds. These results were compared to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at thresholds of 6, 8, and 10. The area under curve was calculated using c-statistics by treating scales as continuous variables. RESULTS A total of 625 patients were included; 111 (17.8%) patients had an anterior large vessel occlusion, 118 (18.9%) patients had any large vessel occlusion, and 182 (29.1%) patients had stroke mimic diagnosis. The mean age (SD) was 67.9 (15.9), 48.3% were female, and 93.4% were white. The Mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (SD) was 14.9 (8.4) for patients with anterior large vessel occlusion, 4.7 (5.0) for patients with non-large vessel occlusion ischemic stroke, and 4.4 (5.8) for stroke mimic (p < 0.001). Compared to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination, and Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation scales demonstrated higher accuracy and area under curve for large vessel occlusion detection. DISCUSSION Both the Field Assessment Stroke Triage for Emergency Destination and Rapid Arterial oCclusion Evaluation scales outperformed the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale for large vessel occlusion detection in patients evaluated by in-hospital telestroke. These scales may be valid alternatives to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale examination in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen W English
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Nikita Chhabra
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Abigail E Hanus
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Rida Basharath
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Monet Miller
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | | | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bart M Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
- Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MI, USA
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Fladt J, Ospel JM, Singh N, Saver JL, Fisher M, Goyal M. Optimizing Patient-Centered Stroke Care and Research in the Prehospital Setting. Stroke 2023; 54:2453-2460. [PMID: 37548010 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.044169] [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] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, continuous technological advances and the availability of novel therapies have enabled treatment of more acute medical conditions than ever before. Many of these treatments, such as intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, are highly time sensitive. This has raised interest in shifting advanced acute care from hospitals to the prehospital setting. Key objectives of advanced prehospital stroke care may include (1) early targeted treatments in the prehospital setting, for example, intravenous thrombolysis for acute stroke, and (2) advanced prehospital diagnostics such as prehospital large vessel occlusion and intracranial hemorrhage detection, to help inform patient triage and potentially reduce subsequent workload in emergency departments. Major challenges that may hamper a swift transition to more advanced prehospital care are related to conducting clinical trials in the prehospital setting to provide sufficient evidence for emergency interventions, as well as ambulance design, infrastructure, emergency medical service personnel training and workload, and cost barriers. Utilizing new technologies such as telemedicine, mobile stroke units and portable diagnostic devices, customized software applications, and smart storage space management may help surmount these challenges and establish efficient, targeted care strategies that are achievable in the prehospital setting. In this article, we delineate the paradigm of shifting advanced stroke care to the prehospital setting and outline future directions in providing evidence-based, patient-centered prehospital care. While we use acute stroke as an illustrative example, these principles are not limited to stroke patients and can be applied to prehospital triage for any time-critical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Fladt
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences, Calgary Stroke Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada (J.F., J.M.O., M.G.)
- Stroke Center and Department of Neurology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland (J.F.)
| | - Johanna M Ospel
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences, Calgary Stroke Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada (J.F., J.M.O., M.G.)
| | - Nishita Singh
- Department of Neurology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada (N.S.)
| | - Jeffrey L Saver
- Department of Neurology and Comprehensive Stroke Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (J.L.S.)
| | - Marc Fisher
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA (M.F.)
| | - Mayank Goyal
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Sciences, Calgary Stroke Program, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada (J.F., J.M.O., M.G.)
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7
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Richards CT, Oostema JA, Chapman SN, Mamer LE, Brandler ES, Alexandrov AW, Czap AL, Martinez-Gutierrez JC, Martin-Gill C, Panchal AR, McMullan JT, Zachrison KS. Prehospital Stroke Care Part 2: On-Scene Evaluation and Management by Emergency Medical Services Practitioners. Stroke 2023; 54:1416-1425. [PMID: 36866672 PMCID: PMC10133016 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.039792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The prehospital phase is a critical component of delivering high-quality acute stroke care. This topical review discusses the current state of prehospital acute stroke screening and transport, as well as new and emerging advances in prehospital diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke. Topics include prehospital stroke screening, stroke severity screening, emerging technologies to aid in the identification and diagnosis of acute stroke in the prehospital setting, prenotification of receiving emergency departments, decision support for destination determination, and the capabilities and opportunities for prehospital stroke treatment in mobile stroke units. Further evidence-based guideline development and implementation of new technologies are critical for ongoing improvements in prehospital stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T. Richards
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - J. Adam Oostema
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI
| | | | - Lauren E. Mamer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Ethan S. Brandler
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Anne W. Alexandrov
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Alexandra L. Czap
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | | | | | - Ashish R. Panchal
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Jason T. McMullan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Kori S. Zachrison
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
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8
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Navi BB, Audebert HJ, Alexandrov AW, Cadilhac DA, Grotta JC. Mobile Stroke Units: Evidence, Gaps, and Next Steps. Stroke 2022; 53:2103-2113. [PMID: 35331008 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.037376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are specialized ambulances equipped with the personnel, equipment, and imaging capability to diagnose and treat acute stroke in the prehospital setting. Over the past decade, MSUs have proliferated throughout the world, particularly in European and US cities, culminating in the formation of an international consortium. Randomized trials have demonstrated that MSUs increase stroke thrombolysis rates and reduce onset-to-treatment times but until recently it was uncertain if these advantages would translate into better patient outcomes. In 2021, 2 pivotal, large, controlled clinical trials, B_PROUD and BEST-MSU, demonstrated that as compared with conventional emergency care, treatment aboard MSUs was safe and led to improved functional outcomes in patients with stroke. Further, the observed benefit of MSUs appeared to be primarily driven by the higher frequency of ultra-early thrombolysis within the golden hour. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the cost-effectiveness of MSUs, their utility in nonurban settings, and optimal infrastructure. In addition, in much of the world, MSUs are currently not reimbursed by insurers nor accepted as standard care by regulatory bodies. As MSUs are now established as one of the few proven acute stroke interventions with an effect size that is comparable to that of intravenous thrombolysis and stroke units, stroke leaders and organizations should work with emergency medical services, governments, and community stakeholders to determine how MSUs might benefit individual communities, and their optimal organization and financing. Future research to explore the effect of MSUs on intracranial hemorrhage and thrombectomy outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and novel models including the use of rendezvous transports, helicopters, and advanced neuroimaging is ongoing. Recommended next steps for MSUs include reimbursement by insurers, integration with ambulance networks, recognition by program accreditors, and inclusion in registries that monitor care quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak B Navi
- Department of Neurology and Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital' New York (B.B.N.)
| | - Heinrich J Audebert
- Department of Neurology, Center for Stroke Research, Charite-Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (H.J.A.)
| | | | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia (D.A.C.)
| | - James C Grotta
- Clinical Innovation and Research Institute, Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, Houston
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9
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Patra DP, Demaerschalk BM, Chong BW, Krishna C, Bendok BR. A Renaissance in Modern and Future Endovascular Stroke Care. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2022; 33:169-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Improving Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: The Implementation and Evaluation of a Theory-Based Resource Integration Project in China. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:9. [PMID: 35221825 PMCID: PMC8833266 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.5616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke remains underused in the developing countries. In 2016, a theory-based resource integration project was initiated at a major stroke center in China. This report describes the implementation process and results of the quality improvement project. Description: Eighteen environment-tailored interventions were implemented, including stroke code activation, electronic wristband bundling, structured information sharing, etc. The project was implemented from July 2016 to June 2017. A total of 519 acute ischemic stroke patients were included. After the intervention, median DNT decreased from 62 min to 37 min (P < 0.001). The percentage of cases treated within 30, 45 or 60 minutes increased from 2.5%, 17.4% and 44.6% to 27.4%, 69.4% and 84.7% respectively (P < 0.001). The median length of inpatient stay decreased from 10 days to 8 days (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with severe disability decreased from 25.5% to 15.8% post-intervention. Discussion: Adequate pre-intervention activities are important conditions for the smooth implementation of the complex service integration initiative. The new treatment pathway has undergone a process of destruction, remodeling and solidification before stable and effective operation. In order to realize the full effect of service integration, whole society efforts are also required. Conclusions: Introduction of the theory-based resource integration project was associated with increased thrombolysis administrations, shorter DNT, and no statistically significant change in adverse outcomes. The basic principles of this project might be applicable to various resource settings.
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11
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Bender MT, Mattingly TK, Rahmani R, Proper D, Burnett WA, Burgett JL, LEsperance J, Cushman JT, Pilcher WH, Benesch CG, Kelly AG, Bhalla T. Mobile stroke care expedites intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2021; 7:209-214. [PMID: 34952889 PMCID: PMC9240459 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2021-001119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of mobile stroke programmes has increased with evidence, showing they expedite intravenous thrombolysis. Outstanding questions include whether time savings extend to patients eligible for endovascular therapy and impact clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE Our mobile stroke unit (MSU), based at an academic medical centre in upstate New York, launched in October 2018. We reviewed prospective observational data sets over 26 months to identify MSU and non-MSU emergency medical service (EMS) patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy for comparison of angiographic and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Over 568 days in service, the MSU was dispatched 1489 times (2.6/day) and transported 300 patients (20% of dispatches). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was administered to 57 MSU patients and the average time from 911 call-to-tPA was 42.5 min (±9.2), while EMS transported 73 patients who received tPA at 99.4 min (±35.7) (p<0.001). Seven MSU patients (12%) received tPA from 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours since last known well and would likely have been outside the window with EMS care. Endovascular thrombectomy was performed on 21 MSU patients with an average 911 call-to-groin puncture time of 99.9 min (±18.1), while EMS transported 54 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (ET) at 133.0 min (±37.0) (p=0.0002). There was no difference between MSU and traditional EMS in modified Rankin score at 90-day clinic follow-up for patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular thrombectomy, whether assessed as a dichotomous or ordinal variable. CONCLUSIONS Mobile stroke care expedited both intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy. There is an ongoing need to show improved functional outcomes with MSU care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Bender
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Thomas K Mattingly
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Redi Rahmani
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Diana Proper
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Walter A Burnett
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jason L Burgett
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Joshua LEsperance
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy T Cushman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Webster H Pilcher
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Curtis G Benesch
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Adam G Kelly
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Tarun Bhalla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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12
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English SW, Barrett KM, Freeman WD, Demaerschalk BM. Telemedicine-enabled ambulances and mobile stroke units for prehospital stroke management. J Telemed Telecare 2021; 28:458-463. [PMID: 34636680 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x211047744] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The recognition and management of stroke in the prehospital setting has become increasingly important to improve patient outcomes. Several strategies to advance prehospital stroke care have been developed, including the mobile stroke unit and the telemedicine-enabled ambulance-or "mini-MSU." These strategies both incorporate ambulance-based audio-visual telemedicine evaluation with a vascular neurologist to facilitate faster treatment but differ in several areas including upfront and recurring costs, scalability or growth potential, ability to integrate into existing emergency medical services systems, and interoperability across multiple specialties or conditions. While both the mobile stroke unit and mini-mobile stroke unit model are valid approaches to improve stroke care, the authors aim to compare these models based on costs, scalability, integration, and interoperability in order to guide our prehospital leaders to find the best solutions for their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Willam D Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Neurologic Surgery, and Critical Care, 6915Mayo Clinic, USA
| | - Bart M Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology and Center for Digital Healthcare, 156400Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, USA
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13
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Heemskerk JL, Domingo RA, Tawk RG, Vivas-Buitrago TG, Huang JF, Rogers A, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Abode-Iyamah K, Freeman WD. Time Is Brain: Prehospital Emergency Medical Services Response Times for Suspected Stroke and Effects of Prehospital Interventions. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:1446-1457. [PMID: 33714603 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare prehospital time for patients with suspected stroke in Florida with the American Stroke Association (ASA) time benchmarks, and to investigate the effects of dispatch notification and stroke assessment scales on prehospital time. PATIENTS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed using data from Florida's Emergency Medical Services Tracking and Reporting System database. All patients with suspected stroke transported to a treatment center from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, were analyzed. Time intervals from 911 call to hospital arrival were evaluated and compared with ASA benchmarks. RESULTS In 2018, 11,577 patients with suspected stroke were transported to a hospital (mean age, 71.5±15.7 years; 51.5% women). The median alarm-to-hospital time was 33.98 minutes (27.8 to 41.4), with a total emergency medical services (EMS) time of 32.30 minutes (26.5 to 39.478). The on-scene time was the largest time interval with a median of 13.28 minutes (10.0 to 17.4). Emergency medical services encounters met the ASA benchmarks for time in 58% to 62% of the EMS encounters in Florida (recommended 90%; P<.001). The total EMS time was reduced when a stroke notification was reported by the dispatch center (32.00 minutes vs 32.62 minutes; P=.006) or when a stroke assessment scale was used by the EMS personnel (31.88 minutes vs 32.96 minutes; P=.005). CONCLUSION This study reveals a substantial opportunity for improvement in stroke care in Florida. Two prehospital EMS stroke interventions seem to reduce prehospital time for patients with suspected stroke. Adoption of these interventions might improve the stroke systems of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rabih G Tawk
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | | | - Ashley Rogers
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | | | | | - William D Freeman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Neurology, and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL.
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Rogers H, Chalil Madathil K, Joseph A, McNeese N, Holmstedt C, Holden R, McElligott JT. Task, usability, and error analyses of ambulance-based telemedicine for stroke care. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/24725579.2021.1883775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Rogers
- College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Kapil Chalil Madathil
- College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anjali Joseph
- College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Nathan McNeese
- College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Christine Holmstedt
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Richard Holden
- School of Medicine, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - James T. McElligott
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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15
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Eichberg DG, Basil GW, Di L, Shah AH, Luther EM, Lu VM, Perez-Dickens M, Komotar RJ, Levi AD, Ivan ME. Telemedicine in Neurosurgery: Lessons Learned from a Systematic Review of the Literature for the COVID-19 Era and Beyond. Neurosurgery 2020; 88:E1-E12. [PMID: 32687191 PMCID: PMC7454774 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evolving requirements for patient and physician safety and rapid regulatory changes have stimulated interest in neurosurgical telemedicine in the COVID-19 era. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic literature review investigating treatment of neurosurgical patients via telemedicine, and to evaluate barriers and challenges. Additionally, we review recent regulatory changes that affect telemedicine in neurosurgery, and our institution's initial experience. METHODS A systematic review was performed including all studies investigating success regarding treatment of neurosurgical patients via telemedicine. We reviewed our department's outpatient clinic billing records after telemedicine was implemented from 3/23/2020 to 4/6/2020 and reviewed modifier 95 inclusion to determine the number of face-to-face and telemedicine visits, as well as breakdown of weekly telemedicine clinic visits by subspecialty. RESULTS A total of 52 studies (25 prospective and 27 retrospective) with 45 801 patients were analyzed. A total of 13 studies were conducted in the United States and 39 in foreign countries. Patient management was successful via telemedicine in 99.6% of cases. Telemedicine visits failed in 162 cases, 81.5% of which were due to technology failure, and 18.5% of which were due to patients requiring further face-to-face evaluation or treatment. A total of 16 studies compared telemedicine encounters to alternative patient encounter mediums; telemedicine was equivalent or superior in 15 studies. From 3/23/2020 to 4/6/2020, our department had 122 telemedicine visits (65.9%) and 63 face-to-face visits (34.1%). About 94.3% of telemedicine visits were billed using face-to-face procedural codes. CONCLUSION Neurosurgical telemedicine encounters appear promising in resource-scarce times, such as during global pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Eichberg
- Correspondence: Daniel G. Eichberg, MD University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery University of Miami Hospital 1321 N.W. 14th Street West Building, Suite 306 Miami, FL 33125, USA.
| | - Gregory W Basil
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | - Long Di
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | - Ashish H Shah
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | - Evan M Luther
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | - Victor M Lu
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Ricardo J Komotar
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
| | - Allan D Levi
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
| | - Michael E Ivan
- University of Miami, Department of Neurosurgery, Miami, Florida
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, Florida
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16
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De Biase G, Freeman WD, Bydon M, Smith N, Jerreld D, Pascual J, Casler J, Hasse C, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Abode-Iyamah K. Telemedicine Utilization in Neurosurgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Glimpse Into the Future? Mayo Clin Proc Innov Qual Outcomes 2020; 4:736-744. [PMID: 33324948 PMCID: PMC7728424 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocpiqo.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe telemedicine utilization in neurosurgery at a single tertiary institution to provide outpatient care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, with 315 telemedicine visits performed by the neurosurgery department. PATIENTS AND METHODS In response to the COVID-19 pandemic national stay-at-home orders and postponed elective surgeries, we converted upcoming clinic visits into telemedicine visits and rescheduled other patients thought not to be markedly affected by surgical postponement. We reviewed the charts of all patients who had telehealth visits from April 1 through April 30, 2020, and collected demographic information, diagnosis, type of visit, and whether they received surgery; a satisfaction questionnaire was also administered. RESULTS In March 2020, 94% (644 of 685) of the neurosurgery clinic visits were face-to-face, whereas in April 2020, 55% (315 of 573) of the visits were telemedicine (P<.001). In April, of the 315 telemedicine visits, 172 (55%) were phone consults and 143 (45%) video consults; 101 (32%) were new consults, 195 (62%) return visits, and 18 (6%) postoperative follow-up. New consults were more likely to be video with audio than return visits and postoperative follow-up (P<.001). Only 39 patients (12%) required surgery. Ninety-one percent of the questionnaire respondents were very likely to recommend telemedicine. CONCLUSION Rapid implementation of telemedicine to evaluate neurosurgery patients became an effective tool for preoperative consultation, postoperative and follow-up visits during the COVID-19 pandemic, and decreased risks of exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to patients and health care staff. Future larger studies should investigate the cost-effectiveness of telemedicine used to triage surgical from nonsurgical patients, potential cost-savings from reducing travel burdens and lost work time, improved access, reduced wait times, and impact on patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William D. Freeman
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
- Department of Neurocritical Care, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Mohamad Bydon
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Nathan Smith
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Daniel Jerreld
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Jorge Pascual
- Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - John Casler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Chris Hasse
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
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17
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Mont'alverne FJA, Lima FO, Nogueira RG, Freitas CCMD, Neto OMP, Silva GS, Oliveira MSD, Frudit M, Caldas JGMP, Abud DG, Conforto AB, Carvalho FMM, Dias FA, Bazan R, Avelar WM, Moro CHC, MagalhÃes PSCD, Miranda M, Barbosa LDA. Management of acute stroke and urgent neurointerventional procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations on the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2020; 78:440-449. [PMID: 32756857 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x20200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) pandemic poses new challenges to the healthcare system to provide support for thousands of patients, there is special concern about common medical emergencies, such as stroke, that will continue to occur and will require adequate treatment. The allocation of both material and human resources to fight the pandemic cannot overshadow the care for acute stroke, a time-sensitive emergency that with an inefficient treatment will further increase mortality and long-term disability. OBJECTIVE This paper summarizes the recommendations from the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and the Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology for management of acute stroke and urgent neuro-interventional procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including proper use of screening tools, personal protective equipment (for patients and health professionals), and patient allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raul Gomes Nogueira
- Marcus Stroke & Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Carlos Clayton Macedo de Freitas
- Departamento de Neurologia e Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Octávio Marques Pontes Neto
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Sampaio Silva
- Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Michel Frudit
- Departamento de Neuroradiologia Intervencionista, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Daniel Giansante Abud
- Departamento de Imagens Médicas, Hematologia e Oncologia Clínica, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Bastos Conforto
- Divisão de Neurologia Clínica, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Francisco Antunes Dias
- Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Bazan
- Departamento de Neurologia, Campus de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Wagner Mauad Avelar
- Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maramelia Miranda
- Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leandro de Assis Barbosa
- Departamento de Neuroradiologia Intervencionista, Hospital Estadual Central de Vitória, Vitória, ES, Brazil
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18
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Demaerschalk BM, Scharf EL, Cloft H, Barrett KM, Sands KA, Miller DA, Meschia JF. Contemporary Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke Across the Continuum: From TeleStroke to Intra-Arterial Management. Mayo Clin Proc 2020; 95:1512-1529. [PMID: 32622453 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In this comprehensive contemporary review of acute ischemic stroke management, what is new and different will be highlighted beginning with prehospital stroke systems of care, emergency medical systems, and mobile stroke units, followed by hospital stroke teams, emergency evaluation, telemedicine, and brain and vascular imaging, and finishing with emergency treatments including thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eugene L Scharf
- Division of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Harry Cloft
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kevin M Barrett
- Departments of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - Kara A Sands
- Department of Neurology Mayo Clinic, Phoenix/Scottsdale, AZ
| | - David A Miller
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
| | - James F Meschia
- Departments of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL
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19
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McClelland G, Flynn D, Rodgers H, Price C. Positive predictive value of stroke identification by ambulance clinicians in North East England: a service evaluation. Emerg Med J 2020; 37:474-479. [PMID: 32385043 DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2019-208902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Accurate prehospital identification of patients who had an acute stroke enables rapid conveyance to specialist units for time-dependent treatments such as thrombolysis and thrombectomy. Misidentification leads to patients who had a 'stroke mimic' (SM) being inappropriately triaged to specialist units. We evaluated the positive predictive value (PPV) of prehospital stroke identification by ambulance clinicians in the North East of England. METHODS This service evaluation linked routinely collected records from a UK regional ambulance service identifying adults with any clinical impression of suspected stroke to diagnostic data from four National Health Service hospital trusts between 1 June 2013 and 31 May 2016. The reference standard for a confirmed stroke diagnosis was inclusion in Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme data or a hospital diagnosis of stroke or transient ischaemic attack in Hospital Episode Statistics. PPV was calculated as a measure of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS Ambulance clinicians in North East England identified 5645 patients who had a suspected stroke (mean age 73.2 years, 48% male). At least one Face Arm Speech Test (FAST) symptom was documented for 93% of patients who had a suspected stroke but a positive FAST was only documented for 51%. Stroke, or transient ischaemic attack, was the final diagnosis for 3483 (62%) patients. SM (false positives) accounted for 38% of suspected strokes identified by ambulance clinicians and included a wide range of non-stroke diagnoses including infections, seizures and migraine. DISCUSSION In this large multisite data set, identification of patients who had a stroke by ambulance clinicians had a PPV rate of 62% (95% CI 61 to 63). Most patients who had a suspected stroke had at least one FAST symptom, but failure to document a complete test was common. Training for stroke identification and SM rates need to be considered when planning service provision and capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham McClelland
- Research and Development, North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK .,Institute of Neuroscience (Stroke Research Group), Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Darren Flynn
- Teesside University School of Health and Social Care, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Helen Rodgers
- Institute of Neuroscience (Stroke Research Group), Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher Price
- Institute of Neuroscience (Stroke Research Group), Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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Lumley HA, Flynn D, Shaw L, McClelland G, Ford GA, White PM, Price CI. A scoping review of pre-hospital technology to assist ambulance personnel with patient diagnosis or stratification during the emergency assessment of suspected stroke. BMC Emerg Med 2020; 20:30. [PMID: 32336270 PMCID: PMC7183583 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-020-00323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pre-hospital identification of key subgroups within the suspected stroke population could reduce delays to emergency treatment. We aimed to identify and describe technology with existing proof of concept for diagnosis or stratification of patients in the pre-hospital setting. METHODS A systematic electronic search of published literature (from 01/01/2000 to 06/06/2019) was conducted in five bibliographic databases. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility of studies or study protocols describing diagnostic/stratification tests (portable imaging/biomarkers) or technology facilitating diagnosis/stratification (telemedicine) used by ambulance personnel during the assessment of suspected stroke. Eligible descriptions required use of tests or technology during the actual assessment of suspected stroke to provide information directly to ambulance personnel in the pre-hospital setting. Due to study, intervention and setting heterogeneity there was no attempt at meta-analysis. RESULTS 2887 articles were screened for eligibility, 19 of which were retained. Blood biomarker studies (n = 2) were protocols of prospective diagnostic accuracy studies, one examining purines and the other a panel of known and novel biomarkers for identifying stroke sub-types (versus mimic). No data were yet available on diagnostic accuracy or patient health outcomes. Portable imaging studies (n = 2) reported that an infrared screening device for detecting haemorrhages yielded moderate sensitivity and poor specificity in a small study, whilst a dry-EEG study to detect large vessel occlusion in ischaemic stroke has not yet reported results. Fifteen evaluations of pre-hospital telemedicine were identified (12 observational and 3 controlled comparisons) which all involved transmission of stroke assessment data from the pre-hospital setting to the hospital. Diagnosis was generally comparable with hospital diagnosis and most telemedicine systems reduced time-to-treatment; however, it is unknown whether this time saving translated into more favourable clinical outcomes. Telemedicine systems were deemed acceptable by clinicians. CONCLUSIONS Pre-hospital technologies to identify clinically important subgroups amongst the suspected stroke population are in development but insufficient evidence precludes recommendations about routine use in the pre-hospital setting. Multi-centre diagnostic accuracy studies and clinical utility trials combining promising technologies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A Lumley
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Darren Flynn
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Tees Valley, UK
| | - Lisa Shaw
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Graham McClelland
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Gary A Ford
- Medical Sciences Division, Oxford Academic Health Science Network, University of Oxford, and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Phil M White
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Christopher I Price
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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21
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Tipton PW, D'Souza CE, Greenway MRF, Peel JB, Barrett KM, Eidelman BH, Meschia JF, Mauricio EA, Hattery WM, Siegel JL, Huang JF, TerKonda SP, Demaerschalk BM, Freeman WD. Incorporation of Telestroke into Neurology Residency Training: "Time Is Brain and Education". Telemed J E Health 2019; 26:1035-1042. [PMID: 31821116 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2019.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: With increasing demand for neurologists, nontraditional health care delivery mechanisms have been developed to leverage this limited resource. Introduction: Telemedicine has emerged as an effective digital solution. Over the past three decades, telemedicine use has steadily grown; however, neurologists often learn on the job, rather than as part of their medical training. The current literature regarding telestroke training during neurology training is sparse, focusing on cerebrovascular fellowship curricula. We sought to enhance telestroke training in our neurology residency by incorporating real-life application. Materials and Methods: We implemented a formal educational model for neurology residents to use telemedicine for remote acquisition of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) before arrival at our comprehensive stroke center. This three-phase educational model involved multidisciplinary classroom didactics, simulation exercises, and real-world experience. Training and feedback were provided by neurologists experienced in telemedicine. Results: All residents completed formal training in telemedicine prehospital NIHSS acquisition and had the opportunity to participate in additional simulation exercises. Currently, residents are gaining additional experience by performing prehospital NIHSS acquisition for patients in whom AIS is suspected. Our preliminary data indicate that resident video encounters average 10.6 min in duration, thus saving time once patients arrive at our hospital. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a telestroke-integrated neurology residency program in a comprehensive stroke center resulting in shortened time to treatment in patients with suspected AIS. Conclusions: We present a model that can be adopted by other neurology residency programs as it provides real-world telemedicine training critical to future neurologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W Tipton
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey B Peel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Kevin M Barrett
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - James F Meschia
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Division of Speech-Language Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Wendy M Hattery
- Center for Connected Care, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jason L Siegel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Josephine F Huang
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Sarvam P TerKonda
- Center for Connected Care, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - William D Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.,Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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22
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Abstract
Introduction The use of telemedicine by deployed healthcare providers to improve patient care has been increasing in recent foreign conflicts and humanitarian missions. These efforts have mostly been limited to email consultation with long response lag times. The United States Military has developed several modalities of telemedicine for use in austere environments, ranging from video conferencing, email, and store-and-forward technology. As of now, these efforts have required large pieces of equipment and many technical support personnel and have a delayed response time. Our study aimed to test the overall feasibility of use, the effects on time to intervention, and user confidence in a highly portable, real-time video set-up to aid in teleconsultations at the early stages of care for a simulated traumatic injury. Materials and methods Subjects or operators taking direct care of the simulated patient were junior emergency medicine (EM) residents or military trained medics. Video teleconsultation was completed by either senior EM residents in their final year of training or board-certified EM physicians. The subjects taking direct care of the simulated patient were blinded to whether their video device was actively sending images or not. All participants communicated verbally using hand-held radios. The total number of interventions and time to event analysis was completed and survey data were collected, assessing confidence levels on procedures performed and patient care. Results We demonstrated the accessibility, ease of use, and overall practicality of this telemedicine platform. A trend was found towards decreased time to evacuation for patients with a live video feed. Alternatively, the data showed no significant difference in the addition of video as opposed to solely radio in terms of the number of interventions, time to interventions, or operator or teleconsultant confidence in the care delivered or procedures performed. Conclusions This study demonstrated the overall feasibility and ease of use of a highly portable telemedicine platform with live video capabilities. A trend was found toward earlier evacuation decisions when using the live video. Follow-up studies may consider examining more challenging simulations or prolonged field care utilization of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wells Weymouth
- Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Lane Thaut
- Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, USA
| | - Nathan Olson
- Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, USA
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24
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Chapman Smith SN, Brown PC, Waits KH, Wong JS, Bhatti MS, Toqeer Q, Ricks JV, Stockner ML, Habtamu T, Seelam J, Britt RC, Giovia JM, Blankson BK, Bennam P, Gormley MA, Lu J, Ornato JP. Development and Evaluation of a User-Centered Mobile Telestroke Platform. Telemed J E Health 2018; 25:638-648. [PMID: 30207927 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2018.0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Reperfusion is the most effective acute treatment for ischemic stroke within a narrow therapeutic time window. Ambulance-based telestroke is a novel way to improve stroke diagnosis and timeliness of treatment. This study aims to (1) assess the usability of our ambulance-based telestroke platform and (2) identify strengths and limitations of the system from the user's perspective. Materials and Methods: An ambulance was equipped with a mobile telemedicine system to perform remote stroke assessments. Scripted scenarios were performed by actors during transport and evaluated by physicians using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Scores obtained during transport were compared with original scripted NIHSS scores. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA Task Load Index (NASA TLX), audio/video quality scale, and a modified Acceptability of Technology survey to assess perceptions and usability. In addition, interviews were conducted to evaluate user's experience. Descriptive analysis was used for all surveys. Weighted kappa statistics was used to compare the agreement in NIHSS scores. Results: Ninety-one percent (59/65) of mobile scenarios were completed. Median completion time was 9 min (range 4-17 min). There was moderate inter-rater agreement (weighted kappa = 0.46 [95% confidence interval 0.33-0.60, p = 0.0018]) among mobile and original scripted scenarios. The mean SUS score was 68.8 (standard deviation = 15.9). There was variability between usability score and formative feedback among all end-users in the areas of usability issues (i.e., audibility and equipment stability) and safety. Conclusion: Before implementation of a mobile prehospital telestroke program, the use of combined clinical simulation and Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology can improve the quality and optimization of the telemedicine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherita N Chapman Smith
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,2 Department of Neurology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Pamela C Brown
- 3 Department of Nursing, Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kaitlynne H Waits
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jason S Wong
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Muhammad S Bhatti
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Qaiser Toqeer
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jamie V Ricks
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Michelle L Stockner
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Tsion Habtamu
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Rashon C Britt
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jacob M Giovia
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Baaba K Blankson
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Poanna Bennam
- 1 Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mirinda A Gormley
- 4 Department of Public Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Juan Lu
- 5 Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Joseph P Ornato
- 6 Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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25
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Croghan SM, Carroll P, Reade S, Gillis AE, Ridgway PF. Robot Assisted Surgical Ward Rounds: Virtually Always There. JOURNAL OF INNOVATION IN HEALTH INFORMATICS 2018; 25:982. [PMID: 29717953 DOI: 10.14236/jhi.v25i1.982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While an explosion in technological sophistication has revolutionized surgery within the operating theatre, delivery of surgical ward-based care has seen little innovation. Use of telepresence allowing off-site clinicians communicate with patients has been largely restricted to outpatient settings or use of complex, expensive, static devices. We designed a prospective study to ascertain feasibility and face validity of a remotely controlled mobile audiovisual drone (LUCY) to access inpatients. This device is, uniquely, lightweight, freely mobile and emulates 'human' interaction by swiveling and adjusting height to patients' eye-level. METHODS: Robot-assisted ward rounds(RASWR) were conducted over 3 months. A remotely located consultant surgeon communicated with patients/bedside teams via encrypted audiovisual telepresence robot (DoubleRoboticstm, California USA). Likert-scale satisfaction questionnaires, incorporating free-text sections for mixed-methods data collection, were disseminated to patient and staff volunteers following RASWRs. The same cohort completed a linked questionnaire following conventional (gold-standard) rounds, acting as control group. Data were paired, and non-parametric analysis performed. RESULTS: RASWRs are feasible (>90% completed without technical difficulty). The RASWR(n=52 observations) demonstrated face validity with strong correlations (r>0.7; Spearman, p-value <0.05) between robotic and conventional ward rounds among patients and staff on core themes, including dignity/confidentiality/communication/satisfaction with management plan. Patients (96.08%, n=25) agreed RASWR were a satisfactory alternative when consultant physical presence was not possible. There was acceptance of nursing/NCHD cohort (100% (n=11) willing to regularly partake in RASWR). CONCLUSION: RASWRs receive high levels of patient and staff acceptance, and offer a valid alternative to conventional ward rounds when a consultant cannot be physically present.
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26
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Dubocage M, Delelis-Fanien H, Guenezan J. Impact de la télémédecine sur la régulation d'un malaise. ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.3166/afmu-2018-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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27
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Siegel J, Pizzi MA, Brent Peel J, Alejos D, Mbabuike N, Brown BL, Hodge D, David Freeman W. Update on Neurocritical Care of Stroke. Curr Cardiol Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646445 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-017-0881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will highlight the recent advancements in acute ischemic stroke diagnosis and treatment, with special attention to new features and recommendations of stroke care in the neurocritical care unit. RECENT FINDINGS New studies suggest that pre-hospital treatment of stroke with mobile stroke units and telestroke technology may lead to earlier stroke therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and recent studies show tPA can be given in previously contraindicated situations. More rapid automated CT perfusion and angiography may demonstrate a vascular penumbra for neuroendovascular intervention. Further, the greatest advance in acute stroke treatment since 2014 is the demonstration that neuroendovascular catheter-based thrombectomy with stent retrievers recanalizing intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO) improves both recanalization and long-term outcomes in several trials. Hemorrhagic transformation and severe large infarct cerebral edema remain serious post-stroke challenges, with new guidelines describing who and when patients should get medical or surgical intervention. The adage "time is brain" directs the most evidence-based approach for rapid stroke diagnosis for tPA eligible and LVO recanalization using an orchestrated team approach. The neurocritical care unit is the appropriate location to optimize stroke outcomes for the most severely affected stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Siegel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road,, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | - Michael A Pizzi
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road,, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - J Brent Peel
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road,, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - David Alejos
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Research Trainee Program, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Nnenne Mbabuike
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - David Hodge
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - W David Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road,, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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28
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Valenzuela Espinoza A, Devos S, van Hooff RJ, Fobelets M, Dupont A, Moens M, Hubloue I, Lauwaert D, Cornu P, Brouns R, Putman K. Time Gain Needed for In-Ambulance Telemedicine: Cost-Utility Model. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017; 5:e175. [PMID: 29175808 PMCID: PMC5722977 DOI: 10.2196/mhealth.8288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke is a very time-sensitive pathology, and many new solutions target the optimization of prehospital stroke care to improve the stroke management process. In-ambulance telemedicine, defined by live bidirectional audio-video between a patient and a neurologist in a moving ambulance and the automated transfer of vital parameters, is a promising new approach to speed up and improve the quality of acute stroke care. Currently, no evidence exists on the cost effectiveness of in-ambulance telemedicine. Objective We aim to develop a first cost effectiveness model for in-ambulance telemedicine and use this model to estimate the time savings needed before in-ambulance telemedicine becomes cost effective. Methods Current standard stroke care is compared with current standard stroke care supplemented with in-ambulance telemedicine using a cost-utility model measuring costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from a health care perspective. We combine a decision tree with a Markov model. Data from the UZ Brussel Stroke Registry (2282 stroke patients) and linked hospital claims data at individual level are combined with literature data to populate the model. A 2-way sensitivity analysis varying both implementation costs and time gain is performed to map the different cost-effective combinations and identify the time gain needed for cost effectiveness and dominance. For several modeled time gains, the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve is calculated and mapped in 1 figure. Results Under the base-case scenario (implementation cost of US $159,425) and taking a lifetime horizon into account, in-ambulance telemedicine is a cost-effective strategy compared to standard stroke care alone starting from a time gain of 6 minutes. After 12 minutes, in-ambulance telemedicine becomes dominant, and this results in a mean decrease of costs by US –$30 (95% CI –$32 to –$29) per patient with 0.00456 (95% CI 0.00448 to 0.00463) QALYs on average gained per patient. In over 82% of all probabilistic simulations, in-ambulance telemedicine remains under the cost-effectiveness threshold of US $47,747. Conclusions Our model suggests that in-ambulance telemedicine can be cost effective starting from a time gain of 6 minutes and becomes a dominant strategy after approximately 15 minutes. This indicates that in-ambulance telemedicine has the potential to become a cost-effective intervention assuming time gains in clinical implementations are realized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefanie Devos
- Interuniversity Center for Health Economics Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robbert-Jan van Hooff
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Neurovascular Center, Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Maaike Fobelets
- Interuniversity Center for Health Economics Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alain Dupont
- Research Group Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maarten Moens
- Department of Neurosurgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Neurosciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ives Hubloue
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Group on Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Door Lauwaert
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Research Group on Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pieter Cornu
- Research Group Clinical Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Brouns
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, ZorgSaam Hospital, Terneuzen, Netherlands
| | - Koen Putman
- Interuniversity Center for Health Economics Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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29
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Hov MR, Zakariassen E, Lindner T, Nome T, Bache KG, Røislien J, Gleditsch J, Solyga V, Russell D, Lund CG. Interpretation of Brain CT Scans in the Field by Critical Care Physicians in a Mobile Stroke Unit. J Neuroimaging 2017; 28:106-111. [PMID: 28766306 PMCID: PMC5811888 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In acute stroke, thromboembolism or spontaneous hemorrhage abruptly reduces blood flow to a part of the brain. To limit necrosis, rapid radiological identification of the pathological mechanism must be conducted to allow the initiation of targeted treatment. The aim of the Norwegian Acute Stroke Prehospital Project is to determine if anesthesiologists, trained in prehospital critical care, may accurately assess cerebral computed tomography (CT) scans in a mobile stroke unit (MSU). METHODS In this pilot study, 13 anesthesiologists assessed unselected acute stroke patients with a cerebral CT scan in an MSU. The scans were simultaneously available by teleradiology at the receiving hospital and the on‐call radiologist. CT scan interpretation was focused on the radiological diagnosis of acute stroke and contraindications for thrombolysis. The aim of this study was to find inter‐rater agreement between the pre‐ and in‐hospital radiological assessments. A neuroradiologist evaluated all CT scans retrospectively. Statistical analysis of inter‐rater agreement was analyzed with Cohen's kappa. RESULTS Fifty‐one cerebral CT scans from the MSU were included. Inter‐rater agreement between prehospital anesthesiologists and the in‐hospital on‐call radiologists was excellent in finding radiological selection for thrombolysis (kappa .87). Prehospital CT scans were conducted in median 10 minutes (7 and 14 minutes) in the MSU, and median 39 minutes (31 and 48 minutes) before arrival at the receiving hospital. CONCLUSION This pilot study shows that anesthesiologists trained in prehospital critical care may effectively assess cerebral CT scans in an MSU, and determine if there are radiological contraindications for thrombolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Ranhoff Hov
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,Faculty of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Zakariassen
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
| | - Thomas Lindner
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,The Regional Centre for Emergency Medical Research and Development, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Terje Nome
- Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristi G Bache
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
| | - Jo Røislien
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,Department of Health Studies, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | | | - Volker Solyga
- Department of Neurology, Østfold Hospital, Kalnes, Norway
| | - David Russell
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian G Lund
- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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- Department of Research and Development, The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation, Drøbak, Norway
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