New research from Alice Springs Hospital and the University of Melbourne aims to improve access to time-critical stroke care in remote communities and Aboriginal Australians living in Central Australia.
'Our story - the On Country journey of remote stroke', led by Dr Anna Holwell from Alice Springs Hospital, will look at ways to enhance pre-hospital pathways, enabling faster access to life-saving treatments and identify strategies for surviving a stroke and living well after stroke.
Dr Howell says the project addresses very specific challenges associated with stroke in Central Australia. "We are specifically focusing on two populations: people living in remote locations and Aboriginal Australians. Both groups have high stroke rates, limited access to acute stroke care and poor stroke outcomes."
The research project received $80,000 from the Stroke Foundation as part of the 2024 Stroke Foundation Research Grants. It will be carried out in two parts. The first will look at the patient journey after stroke.
"The journey to get to hospital can be long and complex due to vast distances, up to 1000km, limited transfer assets and poor access to health services. This long journey often means patients cannot access time-critical lifesaving stroke treatments like thrombolysis, that can only be given once they reach Alice Springs Hospital," Dr Howell said.
The second part of the research will focus on understanding the perception of strokes among Central Australian Aboriginal people. This involves engaging in yarning circles (focus groups) with Aboriginal Liaison Officers at Alice Springs Hospital and other community members.
"We want to increase stroke awareness and education in the community, and to increase efficiency of health clinics and retrieval services when dealing with potential stroke cases. These improvements are anticipated to result in quicker hospital arrivals, thereby facilitating greater access to time-critical care." Dr Howell said.
Stroke Foundation Executive Director of Stroke Services and Research, Dr Tope Adepoyibi, says this research will make an important contribution to improving outcomes for survivors of stroke in Central Australia.
"Fast access to specialised life-saving treatment after stroke is critical and should not be dictated by where you live. Remote communities and Aboriginal Australians living in Central Australia should have fast and equitable access to treatment, and we applaud this research program."
