Introduction:
There is a need to deliver endovascular stroke therapy (EST) locally and rapidly, due to the time sensitivity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the optimal distribution of resources, and means to maintain quality outcomes in patients with diseases that benefit from concentrated care at specialized centers, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), is unknown.
Methods:
We performed a multicenter, observational cohort study across our 11-hospital network from Jan 2017 - Feb 2019, identifying AIS patients who received EST. From Jan 2017 - Aug 2017, there was one CSC in the system. Starting in Aug 2017, we implemented an Integrated Stroke System (ISS), in which 3 additional centers became CSCs, practices were standardized across a single physician group covering all 4 CSCs, and SAH care was centered at the original CSC, while EST was performed at 3 new CSCs. Logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, NIHSS, direct vs. transfer arrival, and time from onset to recanalization was used to assess likelihood of good outcome, defined as discharge to home or rehabilitation. Results are given as median [IQR] and OR [95% CI].
Results:
Among 478 patients who received EST, median age was 68 [57-78], 47% were female, and 37% were white. Over the course of the study (Fig. 1), the number of monthly EST cases increased; EST volume at our original CSC remained stable, and an increasing EST was performed at the new CSCs (p<0.01). Monthly SAH case volume remained unchanged at the original CSC (29 cases vs. 30 cases, p=0.68). After implementation of our ISS, there was a decrease in the time from arrival to groin puncture (107 min [88-125] vs 92 min [67-120]; p<0.01). Among patients presenting 0-6 hours, there was a significant improvement in likelihood of good outcome after ISS (OR 2.59 [1.06-6.35]; p<0.05).
Conclusions:
By restructuring our stroke system of care and extending EST capability, we observed increased EST utilization and improvement in quality of care for AIS patients.
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