Provider perceptions of barriers to the emergency use of tPA for acute ischemic stroke: a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Only 1-3% of ischemic stroke patients receive thrombolytic therapy. Provider barriers to adhering with guidelines recommending tPA delivery in acute stroke are not well known. The main objective of this study was to describe barriers to thrombolytic use in acute stroke care.

Methods

Twenty-four hospitals were randomly selected and matched into 12 pairs. Barrier assessment occurred at intervention sites only, and utilized focus groups and structured interviews. A pre-specified taxonomy was employed to characterize barriers. Two investigators independently assigned themes to transcribed responses. Seven facilitators (three emergency physicians, two nurses, and two study coordinators) conducted focus groups and interviews of emergency physicians (65), nurses (62), ne

SUBMITTER: Meurer WJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3112102 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature