Abstract P164: The Impact of the Expanded EVT Window on Acute Stroke Services: A Large Northwest Telestroke Network Experience

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore Lowenkopf ◽  
Leslie Corless ◽  
Elizabeth Baraban
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Geographic Region ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Stroke Subtypes ◽  
The Impact

Background: Telestroke has led the technological revolution in providing acute medical services to rural areas in the United States since the beginning of this century. In January 2018 the American Stroke Association made a level IA recommendation to expand the treatment time window for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from 6 to 24 hours for anterior circulation stroke based on perfusion imaging. Our study is the first to our knowledge to report the effect of the expanded time window on acute stroke consult and treatment volumes in a large rural supporting telestroke network. Methods: Stroke registry data from two tertiary care facilities from a 22 hospital telestroke network supporting a large (> 78,000 mi 2 ) primarily rural Northwest geographic region were used. Data included stroke patients arriving within 24 hours of last known well (LKW) between January 2017 and March 2019. Patients arriving January 2017 to December 2017 were grouped into the PRE-expanded time window and those arriving April 2018 to March 2019 into the POST-expanded time window. Stroke subtypes, transfers, telestroke consults (via phone or video), and EVT treatments were compared across time periods. Analyses were performed using Pearson’s chi square test, corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: A total of 1117 patients arrived with stroke symptoms within 24 hours of LKW, 567 (50.8%) in PRE and 550 (49.2%) in POST-window. The percentage of all stroke subtypes were not significantly different in the PRE and POST patient groups (p=.720). However, the percent of telestroke consults increased by 12.1% from 62.3% to 74.4% (p<.001) but the percent of video consults remained similar (25.9% vs 25.8%). The total number of transfers (142 vs 141) and percentage of transfers among AIS patients (25.0% vs 25.6%) from partner to hub did not change. The percentage of thrombectomies among transfers rose by 8.7% with the expanded time window, but was not statistically significant [p=0.118]. Conclusions: In a large Northwest telestroke rural network the expanded EVT treatment time window led to a marked increase in all telestroke consults but did not impact video consults, transfer, or percentage of patients treated.

Complete reperfusion mitigates influence of treatment time on outcomes after acute stroke

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 366-369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyam Prabhakaran ◽  
Alicia C Castonguay ◽  
Rishi Gupta ◽  
Chung-Huan J Sun ◽  
Coleman O Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
The North ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundTime to reperfusion following endovascular treatment (ET) predicts outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).ObjectiveTo assess the time–outcome relationship within reperfusion grades in the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke registry.MethodsWe identified patients given ET for anterior circulation ischemic stroke within 8 h from onset and in whom reperfusion was achieved. Together with clinical and outcome data, site-adjudicated modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) was recorded. We assessed the impact of time to reperfusion (onset to procedure completion time) on good outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 3 months) in patients who achieved TICI 2 or higher reperfusion in multivariable models. We further assessed this relationship within strata of reperfusion grades. A p<0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIndependent predictors of good outcome at 3 months among those achieving TICI ≥2a reperfusion (n=188) were initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (adjusted OR=0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95), symptomatic hemorrhage (adj. OR=0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.60), TICI grade (TICI 3: adj. OR=11.52, 95% CI 3.34 to 39.77; TICI 2b: adj. OR=5.14, 95% CI 1.61 to 16.39), and time to reperfusion per 30 min interval (adj. OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99). There was an interaction between final TICI grade and 30 min time to reperfusion intervals (p=0.001) such that the effect of time was strongest in TICI 2a patients.ConclusionsTime to reperfusion was a strong predictor of outcome following ET for AIS. However, the effect varied by TICI grade such that its greatest effect was in those achieving TICI 2a reperfusion.

scholarly journals Impact of Rapid PCR Influenza Testing on the Rate of Inpatient Admissions During Influenza Season at a Tertiary-Care Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s263-s264
Author(s):  
Jordan Polistico ◽  
Avnish Sandhu ◽  
Teena Chopra ◽  
Erin Goldman ◽  
Jennifer LeRose ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Season ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Turnaround Time ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care Center ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Rapid Pcr ◽  
The Impact

Background: Influenza causes a high burden of disease in the United States, with an estimate of 960,000 hospitalizations in the 2017–2018 flu season. Traditional flu diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests have a longer (24 hours or more) turnaround time that may lead to an increase in unnecessary inpatient admissions during peak influenza season. A new point-of-care rapid PCR assays, Xpert Flu, is an FDA-approved PCR test that has a significant decrease in turnaround time (2 hours). The present study sought to understand the impact of implementing a new Xpert Flu test on the rate of inpatient admissions. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to compare rates of inpatient admissions in patients tested with traditional flu PCR during the 2017–2018 flu season and the rapid flu PCR during the 2018–2019 flu season in a tertiary-care center in greater Detroit area. The center has 1 pediatric hospital (hospital A) and 3 adult hospitals (hospital B, C, D). Patients with influenza-like illness who presented to all 4 hospitals during 2 consecutive influenza seasons were analyzed. Results: In total, 20,923 patients were tested with either the rapid flu PCR or the traditional flu PCR. Among these, 14,124 patients (67.2%) were discharged from the emergency department and 6,844 (32.7%) were admitted. There was a significant decrease in inpatient admissions in the traditional flu PCR group compared to the rapid flu PCR group across all hospitals (49.56% vs 26.6% respectively; P < .001). As expected, a significant proportion of influenza testing was performed in the pediatric hospital, 10,513 (50.2%). A greater reduction (30% decrease in the rapid flu PCR group compared to the traditional flu PCR group) was observed in inpatient admissions in the pediatric hospital (Table 1) Conclusions: Rapid molecular influenza testing can significantly decrease inpatient admissions in a busy tertiary-care hospital, which can indirectly lead to improved patient quality with easy bed availability and less time spent in a private room with droplet precautions. Last but not the least, this testing method can certainly lead to lower healthcare costs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Communications and Screening for 2019 Novel Coronavirus at a Tertiary-Care Medical Center

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s84-s84
Author(s):  
Lorinda Sheeler ◽  
Mary Kukla ◽  
Oluchi Abosi ◽  
Holly Meacham ◽  
Stephanie Holley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screening Tool ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
World Health ◽  
Communication Campaign ◽  
Electronic Screening ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

Background: In December of 2019, the World Health Organization reported a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 [SARS-CoV-2)]) causing severe respiratory illness originating in Wuhan, China. Since then, an increasing number of cases and the confirmation of human-to-human transmission has led to the need to develop a communication campaign at our institution. We describe the impact of the communication campaign on the number of calls received and describe patterns of calls during the early stages of our response to this emerging infection. Methods: The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an 811-bed academic medical center with >200 outpatient clinics. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, we launched a communications campaign on January 17, 2020. Initial communications included email updates to staff and a dedicated COVID-19 webpage with up-to-date information. Subsequently, we developed an electronic screening tool to guide a risk assessment during patient check in. The screening tool identifies travel to China in the past 14 days and the presence of symptoms defined as fever >37.7°C plus cough or difficulty breathing. The screening tool was activated on January 24, 2020. In addition, university staff contacted each student whose primary residence record included Hubei Province, China. Students were provided with medical contact information, signs and symptoms to monitor for, and a thermometer. Results: During the first 5 days of the campaign, 3 calls were related to COVID-19. The number of calls increased to 18 in the 5 days following the implementation of the electronic screening tool. Of the 21 calls received to date, 8 calls (38%) were generated due to the electronic travel screen, 4 calls (19%) were due to a positive coronavirus result in a multiplex respiratory panel, 4 calls (19%) were related to provider assessment only (without an electronic screening trigger), and 2 calls (10%) sought additional information following the viewing of the web-based communication campaign. Moreover, 3 calls (14%) were for people without travel history but with respiratory symptoms and contact with a person with recent travel to China. Among those reporting symptoms after travel to China, mean time since arrival to the United States was 2.7 days (range, 0–11 days). Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak is evolving, and providing up to date information is challenging. Implementing an electronic screening tool helped providers assess patients and direct questions to infection prevention professionals. Analyzing the types of calls received helped tailor messaging to frontline staff.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Critical Care in Critical Access Hospitals

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 62-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa J. Seright ◽  
Charlene A. Winters
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Critical Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infusion Therapy ◽  
Critical Access Hospitals ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
Critical Access Hospital

What began as a grant-funded demonstration project, as a means of bridging the gap in rural health care, has developed into a critical access hospital system comprising 1328 facilities across 45 states. A critical access hospital is not just a safety net for health care in a rural community. Such hospitals may also provide specialized services such as same-day surgery, infusion therapy, and intensive care. For hospitals located near the required minimum of 35 miles from a tertiary care center, management of critically ill patients may be a matter of stabilization and transfer. Critical access hospitals in more rural areas are often much farther from tertiary care; some of these hospitals are situated within frontier areas of the United States. This article describes the development of critical access hospitals, provision of care and services, challenges to critical care in critical access hospitals, and suggestions to address gaps in research and collaborative care.

Abstract W MP60: Atrial Fibrillation is Associated with Worse Collaterals in Acute Stroke: Angiography in the ENDOSTROKE Registry

Stroke ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David S Liebeskind ◽  
Christian H Nolte ◽  
Georg Bohner ◽  
Tobias Neumann-Haefelin ◽  
Erich Hofmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Therapy ◽  
Cardioembolic Stroke ◽  
Baseline Risk ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Stroke Treatment ◽  
Stroke Etiology ◽  
The Impact

Background: Risk factors for stroke may alter hemodynamics or invoke ischemic preconditioning, yet the impact of such factors on response to acute stroke treatment and the potential relationship with collateral circulation remains unknown. Methods: Consecutive cases enrolled in the International Multicenter Registry for Mechanical Recanalization Procedures in Acute Stroke (ENDOSTROKE) were analyzed with respect to collateral status on baseline angiography before endovascular therapy. ASITN/SIR collateral grade (0-1/2/3-4) was scored by the core lab, blind to all other data. Collateral grade was analyzed with respect to numerous baseline risk factors, demographics and outcomes after endovascular intervention. Results: 109 patients (median age 69 years (25 th , 75 th percentiles: 56, 77); 51% women; median baseline NIHSS 15 (13, 18)) with complete (TICI 0) anterior circulation occlusions (M1, n=71; ICA, n=28; M2, n=10) at baseline were evaluated based on collateral grade (0-1, n=12; 2, n=41; 3-4, n=56). Worse collaterals were noted in patients with atrial fibrillation (ASITN grades 0-1/2/3-4: 21%/30%/49%) as compared to patients without atrial fibrillation (5%/42%/53%, p=0.024), yet cardioembolic stroke etiology was unrelated. Other baseline features such as age, gender, time to presentation, other co-morbidities and labs were unrelated to collateral grade. Post-procedure reperfusion (TICI 2b-3) was significantly associated with better collaterals (OR 2.58 (1.343-4.957, p=0.004). Similarly, final infarct size was significantly smaller in those with better collaterals. Good clinical outcomes (mRS 0-2 at day 90) were less frequent in those with poorer collaterals (OR 0.403 (0.199-0.813, p=0.011). Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation, but not cardioembolic stroke etiology, is associated with worse collaterals. Hemodynamic implications, such as diminished cardiac output due to atrial fibrillation, may result in less favorable outcomes after endovascular therapy for acute stroke.

Abstract WP5: Outcomes Are Not Different Between Patients With Intermediate and High Dwi-aspects After Stent-retriever Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Woong Yoon ◽  
Seul Kee Kim ◽  
Tae Wook Heo ◽  
Byung Hyun Baek ◽  
Jaechan Park
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Time Window ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Stent Retriever ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Characteristics Analysis ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Few studies have investigated the association between pretreatment DWI-ASPECTS and functional outcome after stent-retriever thrombectomy in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke. Hypothesis: Patients with acute stroke and DWI-ASPECTS <7 might have a similar chance of a good outcome compared to those with a higher DWI-ASPECTS, if they are treated with a stent-retriever thrombectomy in a short time window. However, this hypothesis has not been tested. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impact of DWI-ASPECTS on functional outcome in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke who received a stent-retriever thrombectomy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and DWI data from 171 patients with acute anterior circulation stroke who were treated with stent-retriever thrombectomy within 6 hours of symptom onset. The DWI-ASPECTS was assessed by two readers. A good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 3 months. Results: The median DWI-ASPECTS was 7 (interquartile range, 6-8). Receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed an ASPECTS ≥ 7 was the optimal cut-off to predict a good outcome at 3 months (area under the curve=0.57; sensitivity, 75.3%; specificity, 34.4%). The rates of good outcome, symptomatic hemorrhage, and mortality were not different between high DWI-ASPECTS (scores of 7-10) and intermediate (scores of 4-6) groups. In patients with an intermediate DWI-ASPECTS, good outcome was achieved in 46.5% (20/43) of patients with successful revascularization (modified TICI 2b or 3), whereas no patients without successful revascularization had a good outcome ( P =0.016). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent predictors of good outcome were age and successful revascularization. Conclusions: Our study suggested that treatment outcomes were not different between patients with a high DWI-ASPECTS and those with an intermediate DWI-ASPECTS who underwent stent-retriever thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation stroke. Thus, patients with an intermediate DWI-ASPECTS otherwise eligible for endovascular therapy should not be excluded for stent-retriever thrombectomy or stroke trials.

Abstract WMP6: Delayed Device Access to the Occluded Target Vessel Predicts Worse Recanalization Rates and Poor Outcomes in Endovascular Therapy for Acute Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Ribo ◽  
Brian Jankowitz ◽  
Syed Zaidi ◽  
Mouhammad Jumaa ◽  
Jennifer Oakley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Infarct Volume ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Favorable Outcome ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Poor Outcome ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Left Hemisphere Stroke ◽  
The Impact

During embolectomy for acute stroke, transfemoral access to occluded vessel may be technically difficult. We aim to study the impact of difficult catheter access to target artery. Methods: Single center review of anterior circulation stroke patients enrolled in prospective trials/registries (MR Rescue, MERCI, DEFUSE) requiring recording of time from groin puncture to first device deployment(Tdep). Patients were divided according to Tdep quartiles (Q): patients in Q4 were considered as difficult access. We recorded recanalization (TICI≥2a), complete recanalization (TICI≥2b), infarct volume(24h DWI), day 5 NIHSS, and favorable outcome (3 months mRS≤2). Results: We included 196 patients, mean age 66±14, median NIHSS 16(IQR:12-21). Overall outcomes were: median Tdep 52 min (36-77), recanalization 89.1%, complete recanalization 59.4%, favorable outcome 43.8%. We observed a positive correlation between Tdep and day 5 NIHSS (r=0.27; p=0.01) or 3 months mRS (r=0.26; p<0.01). Patients with difficult access (Q4: Tdep>77 min) had similar baseline NIHSS (16 Vs 17 p=0.58), time from symptom to procedure start (433 Vs 371min; p=0.28) and occlusion location (ICA/M1/M2: 46.7/42.2/11.1% Vs 39.1/54.3/6.5%; p=0.31). However, patients in Q4 had: longer IA procedures (153 vs 112 min;p<0.01), lower complete recanalization (41% Vs 66%;p<0.01), larger infarcts (87 Vs 53cc; p<0.01), higher day 5 NIHSS (15 Vs 9;p<0.01), and less favorable outcome (29.2% Vs 49%; p=0.02). After adjusting by age and time to reperfusion, a regression model identified admission NIHSS (OR% 1.12: 95%CI 1.02-1.21; p<0.01), age (OR% 1.03: 95%CI 1.01-1.06; p=0.01) and Tdep (OR% 1.02 95%CI 1.01-1.03; p=0.01) as independent predictors of poor outcome. In univariate analysis age>69, male gender and left hemisphere stroke were associated with difficult access. The combined presence of the 3 factors increased by 3.5 fold the likelihood of difficult access (OR:3.55 95%CI 1.5-8.6: p<0.01) Conclusion: Delayed device access to target occluded artery independently predicts poor outcome. Identification of difficult access using clinical scores or imaging may lead to alternative strategies; brachial, radial or cervical approaches that could result in shortened procedural times and improved outcomes

Abstract P278: Improving Stroke Systems of Care in Nebraska

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco A Gonzalez Castellon ◽  
James A BOBENHOUSE ◽  
David Franco ◽  
Beth L Malina ◽  
Mindy Cook ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Advisory Council ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Acute Stroke Care ◽  
Stroke Systems Of Care ◽  
Get With The Guidelines

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Disparities in stroke care between metropolitan and rural areas have long been recognized. Access to high-level timely stroke expertise improves outcomes, but in rural areas this is limited by sparse availability of stroke specialists. Since 2006, the Nebraska Stroke Advisory Council, a statewide coalition of stroke experts and stakeholders, began implementing strategies to improve stroke care. In 2016, the Nebraska legislature approved Bill 722, mandating the development of stroke systems of care. In 2018, the AHA and the Helmsley Charitable Trust launched Mission: Lifeline Stroke, a coordinated 3-year program to enhance stroke systems of care in Nebraska. Purpose: To assess advances in acute stroke care in Nebraska after implementing a statewide stroke system of care focused on rural areas. Methods: The Council joined with AHA to expand public and professional stroke education offerings including workshops, conferences, and EMS trainings. They developed state specific treatment guidelines and created educational reinforcement materials. From 2016 to 2019 Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG) was used for stroke data collection and quality improvement in Nebraska. GWTG participating hospitals expanded from 7 to 40 sites (21 critical access). Results: The number of stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack cases reported more than doubled from 2016 to 2019 (1848 to 3987 cases). The door to CT initiated in < 25 minutes improved by 13%. IV alteplase therapy gains included: utilization increased from 8.7% to 11.3%; median door to drug time reduced from 54 to 42 minutes; and door to drug within 60 minutes of arrival increased from 67% to 80.4%.The number of alteplase monitored patients doubled and mechanical thrombectomy cases increased from 77 in 2017 to 138 in 2019. Conclusion: Implementation of strategies in Nebraska, with an emphasis on rural critical access hospitals, led to significant improvements in acute stroke care. This work represents the authors’ independent analysis of local or multicenter data gathered using the AHA Get With The Guidelines® Patient Management Tool but is not an analysis of the national GWTG dataset and does not represent findings from the AHA GWTG National Program

Abstract TP361: Recreational Drug Use and Arterial Ischemic Stroke in a Pediatric Cohort

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishvinder Bhathal ◽  
Tazeen Qureshi ◽  
Mahendranath Moharir ◽  
Daune MacGregor ◽  
Elizabeth Pulcine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Recreational Drug ◽  
Arterial Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Recreational Drug Use ◽  
The Impact

Background: Existing literature reports an association between recreational drug use and arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in adults. Due to recent trends in legalization and concerns regarding the impact of drugs on the developing brain, there is an urgent need for increased awareness of recreational drug use as a risk factor for AIS in childhood. Purpose: To increase awareness of an association between AIS and recreational drug use in a pediatric cohort. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of a consecutive cohort of patients at a tertiary care pediatric center diagnosed with AIS in the context of recreational drug use between 2008-2017. Drug use was confirmed using toxicology testing and clinical history. Demographic, clinical and radiological data were collected. Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure scores (PSOM) were obtained from an institutional Stroke Registry. Results: Three males and one female were included in the study. Mean age at stroke presentation was 16.3 years (range 16-17 years). Three children presented with focal neurologic deficit and one with new onset seizure. Drug use for each patient was described as follows: Patient A - Marijuana; Patient B - Oxybutynin, Fluoxetine and unidentified compound; Patient C - Marijuana and Amphetamine; Patient D - Marijuana and alcohol. MRI demonstrated diffusion restriction in the anterior circulation in two children, anterior and posterior circulation in one child, and bilateral posterior circulation in one child also found to have a remote AIS. Vascular findings included: Patient A - normal; Patient B and C - right anterior circulation arteriopathy; Patient D - posterior circulation arteriopathy and bilateral vessel wall enhancement. ECHO and pro-thrombotic results were non-contributory. However, one patient required PFO closure. PSOM scores indicated mild-moderate disability initially and moderate disability at follow-up for three of four patients. Conclusions: This case series describes an association between recreational drug use and AIS in adolescents. We are unable to comment on the incidence of AIS related to drug use from our cohort. However, our data highlights a need for public health strategies that acknowledge AIS as a potential consequence of recreational drug use in adolescents.

scholarly journals EXPLORING THE RURAL DIGITAL LANDSCAPE: LIBRARIES, EQUITY, AND SCALE

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Strover ◽  
Alexis Schrubbe
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Internet Service ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
State Library ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Digital Landscape

As community anchors and public spaces, libraries are in unique positions to serve emerging 21st century information needs for the unconnected. Some libraries have extended their technology offerings beyond basic computers and Internet to include mobile hotspot lending, which allows patrons to "take home" the Internet from the library. The research in this project examines hotspot lending programs undertaken by the Maine State Library and the Kansas State Library across 24 different libraries in small and rural communities. In the United States, rural areas tend to have lower Internet adoption because many communities face considerable barriers to competitive and fast Internet service, exacerbated by the fact that rural communities tend to be older, of lower-income, and less digitally skilled. This research examines the role of library hotspot lending and how free and mobile-based Internet connects rural communities and serves their information needs. Through qualitative and quantitative assessments this research details the scope and efficacy of programs to reach publics, the impact that rural hotspots have in communities, and the larger information and communications ecosystem in these rural communities in Maine and Kansas.

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