New Australian research has found that a virtual Tele-Stroke Unit service in regional hospitals will help bridge the gap between regional and urban stroke care.
A 12-month pilot at Echuca Regional Health, led by Stroke Neurologist Dr Philip Choi and Stroke Coordinator Lauren Arthurson, investigated the viability and effectiveness of Tele-Stroke in regional hospitals.
The pilot involved providing 85 patients with either video or telephone consultations with stroke specialists. A stroke neurologist and the local team reviewed the patients progress, brain images and care plan before moving to a detailed bedside discussion with the patient and family. A treatment plan was then developed with the patient and local team.
Ms Arthurson says the majority of stroke patients admitted to regional hospitals have no access to bona fide stroke unit care despite the recent uptake of acute telestroke programs.
The results from the pilot showed that this service model improved diagnostic accuracy and is a viable model that can be used to improve access to stroke care in regional areas.
"We want to bridge that gap between regional and urban stroke care and give all stroke patients, regardless of where they live, the opportunity to have access to the best stroke treatment and care," Ms Arthurson said.
"Our vision is that this simple model is expanded Australia-wide to ensure all patients receive evidence-based Stroke Unit Care."
Ms Arthurson will be presenting her research findings at the combined Stroke Society of Australasia and Smart Strokes Nursing and Allied Health Scientific Meeting in Melbourne this week which will be attended by Australian and international stroke experts.
"I am really pleased to be showcasing our quality improvement project to show that, through innovation and collaboration, we can improve access to evidence-based stroke care in regional areas of Australia."
"A Tele-Stroke Unit model can provide regional Australians with the stroke neurology expertise that is essential for maximising stroke recovery. We believe Stroke Unit Care should be available to all survivors of stroke regardless of where you live."
