Telestroke Networks Show Promise in Mitigating Stroke Disparities

Strategic Insights -

Research presented at the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) highlighted the potential of telestroke networks to improve stroke care for patients across racial, gender, and socioeconomic lines. Studies explored the differences in treatment and recovery options for patients in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, revealing disparities in access to specialized care, particularly for women and Black patients. Telestroke treatment aims to bridge geographic gaps by providing virtual diagnosis and treatment recommendations, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce disparities.

Key Takeaways:

  • A retrospective cohort study of 7,947 patients with suspected ischemic stroke in a large telestroke network found that only 13% of women received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), while 15% of men did.
  • The study "Ethnic Disparities in Stroke Outcomes Mitigated by the Efficiency of a Large Tele-Stroke Network" found that telestroke networks can reduce racial disparities in acute stroke care, particularly in the administration of tPA and mechanical thrombectomy.
  • Researchers at Brown University's Brown University reviewed records for patients who received thrombectomies and found that patients who received field triage and were immediately routed to the correct hospital had better outcomes than those who were later transferred.
  • The Area Deprivation Index tool calculated that patients from more disadvantaged neighborhoods had a longer wait for thrombectomy and worse health after stroke.
  • Longstanding racial and gender disparities can be potentially mitigated using telestroke treatment, but further investigation is needed to ensure optimal outcomes for stroke treatment.

Statistics:

  • 7,947 patients with suspected ischemic stroke were reviewed in the first study.
  • 13% of women received tPA, while 15% of men did.
  • 2,952 white patients and 1,122 Black patients with suspected ischemic stroke were reviewed in the second study.
  • 13% of tPA was administered for Black patients, compared to 15% for white patients.
  • 500 patients received field triage in the third study.
  • 78% of patients who received field triage had better outcomes than those who were later transferred.

Sources:

  • VerticalNews Health & Science, 2025 AUG 3
  • Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery's (SNIS) 22nd Annual Meeting
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia
  • Brown University, Providence