Virtual stroke assessments speed up treatment and reduce disability
Stroke patients assessed on the way to hospital have been shown to get treatment faster, with better outcomes.
A trial at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) piloted video calls between paramedics and specialist nurses to assess patients in the ambulance. This led to faster scans, quicker treatment and better chances of recovery.
The project is led by Dr Richard Marigold, Consultant Stroke Physician. He presented the latest findings at the UK Stroke Forum, a major platform for stroke professionals, on Thursday 27th November.
The virtual assessments are now used routinely at UHS. The team next aim to roll-out the technology across the region so more hospitals can realise the benefits.
Dr Marigold leads the NIHR Hyperacute Stroke Research Centre at UHS. He is supported by the UHS Research Leaders Programme.
Treating patients faster
Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability. Each year in the UK, around 100,000 people have a stroke, with around 6,000 of these occurring in the Wessex region.
In stroke care, every minute counts. If a patient’s treatment is delayed, it can mean a larger area of their brain is damaged. This can leave them with a lifelong disability, and often means they need ongoing care and support.
“For every half an hour you delay treatments in this setting, patients have a 10% less likely chance of returning to independent living,” Dr Marigold explained.
The aim of the project is to ensure patients get diagnosed and treated faster after a stroke. This will limit damage to the brain, helping to prevent long-term disability.
To do this, paramedics have a video call with a specialist nurse in the ambulance. This allows them to assess the patient before they arrive at the hospital.
Preventing disability
The project is already showing excellent results. Patients who have the virtual assessment have better outcomes, compared with those who have normal standard of care.
Patients assessed by video call during the pilot had faster scanning and treatment times. Admission times to the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit at UHS were nearly two hours faster. Treatment to break up blood clots blocking blood vessels was 30 minutes quicker.
These patients also recovered faster. Hospital stays were halved in length, to just over a day, and overall they left hospital with less severe disability.
The process is also helping to identify patients who haven’t had a stroke. Diagnostic accuracy was increased by 20% among those who had the assessment, from 52% to 71%. This led to fewer non-stroke admissions to the unit, saving time and resources.
The trial was funded by an award from NHS England. Current results were presented last week at the UK Stroke Forum in Aberdeen.
“This is an incredibly exciting project that has the potential to revolutionise acute stroke care,” said Dr Marigold.
“I’m delighted our results show these virtual assessments help speed up treatment and reduce long-term disability. This could make a massive difference to patients and their families, preventing the need for ongoing care and support."