Community Intent to Activate Emergency Medical Services May Be Associated with Regional tPA Treatment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Acute stroke treatments are underutilized in the USA. Enhancing stroke preparedness, the recognition of stroke symptoms, and intent to call emergency medical services (EMS) could reduce delay in hospital arrival thereby increasing eligibility for time-sensitive stroke treatments. Whether higher stroke preparedness is associated with higher tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment rates is however uncertain. We therefore set out to determine the contribution of stroke preparedness to regional variation in tPA treatment.

Methods

The region was defined by hospital service area (HSA). Stroke preparedness was determined by using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey questions assessing stroke symptom recognition and intent to call 911 in response to a

SUBMITTER: Springer MV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8898989 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature