Abstract 3633: A National Assessment of Factors Influencing Emergency Medical Services Times Among Acute Stroke patients.

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Jadhav ◽  
Saqib A Chaudhry ◽  
Gustavo J Rodriguez ◽  
M. Fareed K Suri ◽  
Adnan I Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Critical Determinant ◽  
Emergency Medical

Background: The time spent in Emergency Medical Services [EMS] assessment and transport is a critical determinant of time interval between symptom onset and treatment for acute stroke. Objective: To study the determinants that influence EMS times which is a composite of response, assessment, and transport times for acute stroke patients. Methods: The 2009 national Emergency Services Information System [NEMSIS] Research dataset representing 26 states in US was accessed to identify the patients diagnosed by EMS personnel to be having stroke / cerebrovascular accident [CVA] on arrival at the scene of incident. Total EMS times defined as time interval between dispatch call and completion of transport to emergency department [reported in mins (confidence intervals)] were calculated and compared in various patient strata defined by factors such as dispatch center identification of stroke / CVA, barriers (language and physical) at the scene, location and demographical factors. Results: A total of 52282 patients were identified to have stroke / CVA by EMS personnel on arrival at scene. Significant differences were seen in EMS times with accurate identification compared to non-identification of stroke / CVA by dispatch center [41.8 (41.5-42.2) vs 49.8 (49.3-50.2), P <0.001]. Language and physical barriers at scene were associated with EMS time delays [48.4 (47.3-49.6) vs 45.2 (44.8-45.6), P <0.001]. EMS times increased from urban to suburban, rural, and wilderness settings [42.6 (42.3-42.9) vs 48.6 (47.6-49.5) vs 50.5 (49.6-51.4) vs 62.4 (59.8-64.9), P <0.001]. Similarly, Pacific and Mid-Atlantic regions had faster EMS times compared to Mountain regions [35.2 (34.6-35.8) vs 36.5 (35.6-37.4) vs 46.6 (45.4-47.8), P <0.001]. Patients ≥65 years had less EMS times compared to those aged <65 years [44.9 (44.5-45.2) vs 46.9 (46.4-47.4), P <0.001]. Conclusion: EMS times in patients with acute stroke are influenced by multiple factors. A better understanding of modifiable and region specific factors can expedite time interval between symptom onset and treatment for acute stroke patients.

scholarly journals Variability in Criteria for Emergency Medical Services Routing of Acute Stroke Patients to Designated Stroke Center Hospitals

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 743-746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolay Dimitrov ◽  
William Koenig ◽  
Nichole Bosson ◽  
Sarah Song ◽  
Jeffrey Saver ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Stroke Center

Abstract W P187: Utilization of Emergency Medical Services to Transfer Acute Stroke Patients Directly to Scanning Reduces the Length of Time to Scan Result

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Dunbar ◽  
Theresa Hoffecker ◽  
Avery Schwenk
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Ct Scan ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Time Of Arrival ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
The Mean

Background: Rapid assessment and treatment of acute stroke patients including computerized tomography (CT) scanning to determine the need for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has been shown to be vital to positive patient outcomes. As part of an ongoing effort to reduce door-to-needle time for such patients, the door-to-CT result time was identified as an area that could be reduced by collaborative effort between Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Department (ED) staff. We hypothesized that implementing an EMS protocol for direct-to-CT scanning as part of a collaborative stroke alert protocol would reduce overall door-to-CT result time. Methods: Local EMS and ED implemented criteria to alert the ED of acute stroke patients being transported to their facility. This alert included an estimated time of arrival and was sent to radiology, neurology, registration and pharmacy. Upon arrival, the patient was met by ED personnel while still on the EMS gurney. If the ED physician concurred with the field impression of acute stroke, the patient was taken directly to CT scanning by EMS. Data on time of door-to-CT result were collected from 7/9/12 to 7/8/13 and divided into those patients who received a stroke alert from EMS (n=41), and those who did not (n=81). All data are expressed as mean ± standard error. Results: The time for door-to-CT result was reduced (p<0.0001) for patients who received a stroke alert from EMS [16.5 ± 1.2 vs 31.6 ± 1.5 minutes, alert vs no alert, respectively]. Similarly, in the subset of patients who received tPA after the CT scan, the mean time door-to-CT scan results was reduced (p<0.005) in those patients who received a stroke alert from EMS (14.3 ± 1.1 vs 36.4 ± 7.3 minutes, alert vs no alert, respectively). Conclusions: Implementation of a stroke alert including a direct-to-CT protocol by EMS significantly reduced the mean door-to-CT result time in acute stroke patients. Expanding this protocol to include other area EMS services and hospitals could potentially result in a greater number of patients benefiting from these reduced times.

A National Assessment of Factors Influencing Emergency Medical Services Times among Acute Stroke Patients (P02.223)

Neurology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 78 (Meeting Abstracts 1) ◽  
pp. P02.223-P02.223
Author(s):  
V. Jadhav ◽  
S. Pawar ◽  
S. Chaudhry ◽  
A. Hassan ◽  
G. Rodriguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
National Assessment ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Emergency Medical

scholarly journals Prehospital Triage of Acute Stroke Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 2263-2267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Goyal ◽  
Johanna M. Ospel ◽  
Andrew M. Southerland ◽  
Charles Wira ◽  
Sepideh Amin-Hanjani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Stroke Patient ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Acute Stroke Patient ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
The Future ◽  
Prehospital Triage

Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has broad implications on stroke patient triage. Emergency medical services providers have to ensure timely transfer of patients while minimizing the risk of infectious exposure for themselves, their co-workers, and other patients. This statement paper provides a conceptual framework for acute stroke patient triage and transfer during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar healthcare emergencies in the future.

Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally

2021 ◽  
pp. 194187442110100
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Ehrlich ◽  
Bin Han ◽  
Michael Lutz ◽  
Mohsen Ghiasi Ghorveh ◽  
Yasmin Ali Okeefe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Medical Services Utilization ◽  
Future Education

Background and Purpose: Rates of emergency medical services (EMS) utilization for acute stroke remain low nationwide, despite the time-sensitive nature of the disease. Prior research suggests several demographic and social factors are associated with EMS use. We sought to evaluate which demographic or socioeconomic factors are associated with EMS utilization in our region, thereby informing future education efforts. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients for whom the stroke code system was activated at 2 hospitals in our region. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with use of EMS versus private vehicle. Results: EMS use was lower in patients who were younger, had higher income, were married, more educated and in those who identified as Hispanic. Those arriving by EMS had significantly faster arrival to code, arrival to imaging, and arrival to thrombolytic treatment times. Conclusion: Analysis of regional data can identify specific populations underutilizing EMS services for acute stroke symptoms. Factors effecting EMS utilization varies by region and this information may be useful for targeted education programs promoting EMS use for acute stroke symptoms. EMS use results in more rapid evaluation and treatment of stroke patients.

Abstract P138: Improving Emergency Medical Services Documentation of Time Last Known Well

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dot Bluma ◽  
Jessica Link Reeve ◽  
Susan M Godersky
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Onset Time ◽  
Reperfusion Therapy ◽  
Report Card ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Emergency Department Physician ◽  
Measure Data ◽  
Emergency Medical

Background and Purpose: In a systems of care model, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) reporting a patient’s last known well (LKW) time to the receiving hospital is crucial for activation of the hospitals Acute Stroke Team. There is evidence that LKW is critical information for determining an acute ischemic stroke patient’s eligibility for advanced stroke therapy which includes intravenous Alteplase and/or mechanical endovascular reperfusion therapy. The 70 Wisconsin (WI) Coverdell Stroke Program (Coverdell) hospitals represent 80% of stroke admissions in WI. Coverdell developed a pre-arrival report card in Q3 2018 in which LKW was a tracked measure. Data entered into Get With The Guidelines®- Special Initiatives (SI) tab was collated to create the report card. After analysis of the data it was determined our performance improvement (PI) project would be to improve EMS’s documentation and reporting of time LKW. In Q3 2018, of those cases entered into the SI tab, EMS reporting a LKW time was 50%. Since LKW is not always obtainable, the project goal was set at 60%. Methods: We recognized implementation of this PI initiative would require a multi-prong approach. To assist EMS agencies in understanding the difference between LKW and symptom onset, we developed a document entitled, The Importance of an Accurate Last Known Well and Symptom Onset Time . A Coverdell team member attended WI’s EMS Physician Advisory Committee meetings where LKW data was discussed. In addition, an Emergency Department Physician hosted a webinar where the presentation highlighted the importance of documenting LKW. This webinar was recorded and sent to EMS agencies and hospitals. For loop closure and with the support of the WI’s EMS Director, LKW became a validated field for EMS in the WI Ambulance Run Data System. Findings: In Q2 2019 there was an improvement in documented LKW as evidenced by an increase to 59.2% The data has remained consistent even as more hospitals have begun to enter the data as demonstrated by the increasing N. Conclusion: The actions taken by the Coverdell program in educating EMS providers on the rationale and importance of LKW documentation was successful. However, additional efforts are required to reach and maintain the project goal of 60% with an additional stretch goal to 70%.

scholarly journals Temporal Trends in Emergency Medical Services and General Practitioner Use for Acute Stroke After Australian Public Education Campaigns

Stroke ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (12) ◽  
pp. 3078-3080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet E. Bray ◽  
Judith Finn ◽  
Peter Cameron ◽  
Karen Smith ◽  
Lahn Straney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practitioner ◽  
Public Education ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Education Campaigns

scholarly journals Accuracy of Emergency Medical Services–Reported Last Known Normal Times in Patients Suspected With Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 1275-1279 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Curfman ◽  
Lisa Tabor Connor ◽  
Hawnwan Philip Moy ◽  
Laura Heitsch ◽  
Peter Panagos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Emergency Medical

Factors influencing patient decision delay in activation of emergency medical services for suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction

2020 ◽  
pp. 147451512095373
Author(s):  
Ahmad Alrawashdeh ◽  
Ziad Nehme ◽  
Brett Williams ◽  
Karen Smith ◽  
Michael Stephenson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Symptom Onset ◽  
St Elevation Myocardial Infarction ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
History Of ◽  
St Elevation ◽  
At Home

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with time delay to emergency medical services for patients with suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: This observational study involved 1994 suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients presenting to the emergency medical services in Melbourne, Australia, between October 2011–January 2014. Factors associated with delays to emergency medical services call of >1 h and emergency medical services self-referral were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Results: The time of symptom onset was reported for 1819 patients (91.2%), the median symptom onset-to-call time was 52 min (interquartile range=17–176). Of all emergency medical services calls, 17% were referred by healthcare professionals. Compared to self-referred patients, patients who presented to a general practitioner or hospital had higher odds of delay >1 h to emergency medical services activation (adjusted odds ratio 7.76; 95% confidence interval 5.10–11.83; and 8.02; 3.65–17.64, respectively). The other factors associated with emergency medical services call delays of >1 h were living alone, non-English speaking background, a history of substance abuse, less severe symptoms, symptom onset at home and at rest, and self-treatment. Emergency medical services self-referred patients were more likely to be older than 75 years, have a history of ischemic heart disease or revascularization, more severe symptoms, and symptom onset at home, with activity, during the weekends and out-of-hours. Conclusion: Almost one-fifth of emergency medical services calls for suspected ST-elevation myocardial infarction were healthcare referrals, and this was associated with increased delays. A wide range of factors could influence a patient’s decision to directly and rapidly seek emergency medical services. More efforts are needed to educate at-risk populations about early self-referral to the emergency medical services.

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