Mobile Stroke Unit Increases Stroke Aversion and Recovery Rates, Study Finds
Receiving a clot-busting drug in an ambulance-based mobile stroke unit (MSU) increases the likelihood of averting strokes and complete recovery compared with standard hospital emergency care, according to a recent study. MSU care was associated with higher odds of averting strokes compared to hospital emergency medical service (EMS) care. Patients who received care in an MSU had an 18% chance of averting stroke, compared to 11% for those who received EMS care. Additionally, 31% of MSU patients had early symptom resolution within 24 hours after a stroke, compared to 21% of patients who received EMS care.
The study analyzed 1,009 patients, with 644 of them receiving t-PA in an MSU and 365 receiving EMS care. The study found that patients who received t-PA within the first hour of symptom onset had a higher recovery rate within 24 hours. One in four patients who had a suspected stroke recovered within this timeframe, and one in six completely averted a stroke with no observable brain injury on an MRI.
The study also revealed that MSU care significantly improved outcomes compared to EMS care. MSU-treated patients received t-PA 37 minutes faster than those who received EMS care, ensuring that more patients had access to crucial treatment within the first hour. MSU care further increased the odds of averting a stroke, with nearly one-third of patients recovering to normal within 24 hours. Factors such as treatment within the first 45 minutes, younger age, being female, a history of high cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower stroke severity, and no blockage of large blood vessels also contributed to better patient outcomes.
This research highlights the importance of optimizing stroke systems of care to enhance the proportion of averted strokes. The lead author of the study hopes that Medicare will assign MSU services a billing code in the near future. Dr. Navi also plans to conduct a study to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of MSUs and contribute to the shift in regulations and reimbursement policies.
Stroke is a prevalent condition in the United States, and this study demonstrates the significant benefits of mobile stroke units in improving stroke outcomes. It emphasizes the need for optimizing stroke systems of care to provide timely interventions and enhance patient recovery rates.
