Abstract TP265: Far-Forward Stroke Care: Parallel Processing in the Prehospital Environment May Achieve Door-to-Needle Times of Less Than 15 Minutes on a Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit
Introduction: The time from 911 activation (i.e. alarm) to administration of intravenous (IV) alteplase in acute ischemic stroke is associated with functional, patient centered-outcomes. Mobile stroke treatment units (MSTUs) have emerged as a stroke system tool that may hasten treatment times. Optimal workflows on MSTUs remain to fully elucidated. Methods: Retrospective review of a QA database of patients treated on a MSTU with door-to-needle-times (DTN) of </= 15 minutes to describe workflows and team dynamics that were associated with expeditious treatment. Results: In October of 2018 the University of Rochester Medical Center launched a MSTU, initially operating on Monday through Friday in the city of Rochester from 8am until 4 pm. Over the initial 3 months, there were 96 MSTU responses leading to 54 transported patients, 3 of which were treated with IV alteplase. One patient with an initial NIHSS of 17 was treated with IV alteplase within 9 minutes of reaching the MSTU door. Workflow elements felt to hasten treatment included registration of the patient in the electronic health record (EHR) prior to the patient reaching the MSTU and enabling the telestroke provider to listen to the initial history and physical being performed by the MSTU RN at the scene. The later is accomplished by using a telestroke iPhone application that allows for a “3-way-call” between the MSTU RN, the MSTU, and the telestroke provider. The MSTU RN wears a Bluetooth earpiece that captures the conversation with the patient, witnesses on scene, and initial EMS responders and enables the MSTU RN to summarizes key history and exam findings, vitals, and blood glucose results while keeping their hands available for patient care. Simultaneously, the telestroke provider reviews the patient’s chart in the EHR for alteplase contraindications, prior imaging results, and pertinent medical history. Conclusion: Registering the patient in the EHR and integrating the telestroke provider into the initial patient assessment at the scene in the prehospital setting may allow for consistent door to needle times of < 15 minutes on MSTUs, which may further improve patient outcomes.