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Sahely A, Kai Ning Hew S, Ka Chan Y, Soundy A, Rosewilliam S. Exploring the experiences of people who had a stroke and therapists who managed people with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282325. [PMID: 36854029 PMCID: PMC9974115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore experiences, needs and rehabilitation priorities of patients who had their stroke and the experiences of therapists managing stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN Exploratory qualitative study. SETTING Acute, sub-acute and community stroke facilities. SUBJECTS Twenty-two participants. Twelve therapists (all female, mean age 38.5 years) and ten patients (9 female, mean age 51.1 years) who were involved in stroke rehabilitation during the pandemic were interviewed. METHODS Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before being analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Four main themes demonstrate the modifications in the care system as a result of COVID-19, impact on the stroke patients at different stage, needs and priorities of stroke rehabilitation, and management strategies that have been used in stroke rehabilitation. Remote rehabilitation and self-management strategies were recommended to deliver care for stroke patients. However, therapists seemed unsatisfied with the quality of care delivered and patients suggested face to face delivery of care with proper personal protection equipment to better address their physical and mental health needs. CONCLUSION The findings of this study explored the impact of the pandemic on stroke care from the perspective of the patients and therapists and provides suggestions for improved delivery of care in similar situations. Future research is warranted to examine the long-term effects on people who had inadequate post-stroke rehabilitation during covid pandemic and urgent measures taken to reduce the impact the pandemic has had on the physical and mental issues for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Sahely
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Physiotherapy Department, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
| | - Shara Kai Ning Hew
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yik Ka Chan
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Soundy
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sheeba Rosewilliam
- School of Sports, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Harahsheh E, English SW, Hrdlicka CM, Demaerschalk B. Telestroke’s Role Through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2022; 24:589-603. [PMID: 35999901 PMCID: PMC9388966 DOI: 10.1007/s11940-022-00737-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of review The goal of this paper is to discuss the role and utilization of telestroke services through the COVID-19 pandemic and to suggest future directions to sustain and increase patients’ access to stroke expertise. Recent findings Telestroke is an innovative and effective tool that has been shown to improve access, quality of care, and outcomes of patients with acute stroke syndromes in resource-limited areas for the last two decades. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge and strained healthcare systems worldwide, but it created novel and unique opportunities to expand and increase the utilization of telehealth and telestroke services to deliver personalized healthcare across the continuum of stroke care outside of traditional settings. This rapid and widespread increase in telestroke use was facilitated by the removal of many legislative and regulatory barriers which have limited patients’ access to stroke expertise for many years. Summary As the public health emergency ends, there exists a unique opportunity to optimize and expand upon the pandemic-related rapid growth of telestroke care. Optimal utilization of telehealth and telestroke services will depend on maintaining and improving required infrastructure, laws, and regulations, particularly those governing reimbursement and licensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Harahsheh
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 USA
| | | | - Courtney M. Hrdlicka
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 USA
| | - Bart Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 13400 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 USA
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3
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Adelman EE, Leppert MH. Advances in Stroke: Neurohospitalist-Inpatient Teleneurology for Longitudinal Stroke Care. Stroke 2022; 53:1764-1766. [PMID: 35467995 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.037449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Adelman
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison (E.E.A.)
| | - Michelle H Leppert
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora (M.H.L.).,Colorado Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Group, Denver (M.H.L.)
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Lele AV, Wahlster S, Alunpipachathai B, Awraris Gebrewold M, Chou SHY, Crabtree G, English S, Der-Nigoghossian C, Gagnon DJ, Kim-Tenser M, Karanjia N, Kirkman MA, Lamperti M, Livesay SL, Mejia-Mantilla J, Melmed K, Prabhakar H, Tumino L, Venkatasubba Rao CP, Udy AA, Videtta W, Moheet AM. Perceptions Regarding the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic's Impact on Neurocritical Care Delivery: Results From a Global Survey. J Neurosurg Anesthesiol 2022; 34:209-220. [PMID: 34882104 PMCID: PMC8900891 DOI: 10.1097/ana.0000000000000825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted many facets of critical care delivery. METHODS An electronic survey was distributed to explore the pandemic's perceived impact on neurocritical care delivery between June 2020 and March 2021. Variables were stratified by World Bank country income level, presence of a dedicated neurocritical care unit (NCCU) and experiencing a COVID-19 patient surge. RESULTS Respondents from 253 hospitals (78.3% response rate) from 47 countries (45.5% low/middle income countries; 54.5% with a dedicated NCCU; 78.6% experienced a first surge) participated in the study. Independent of country income level, NCCU and surge status, participants reported reductions in NCCU admissions (67%), critical care drug shortages (69%), reduction in ancillary services (43%) and routine diagnostic testing (61%), and temporary cancellation of didactic teaching (44%) and clinical/basic science research (70%). Respondents from low/middle income countries were more likely to report lack of surge preparedness (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.8) and struggling to return to prepandemic standards of care (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 4.4-34) compared with respondents from high-income countries. Respondents experiencing a surge were more likely to report conversion of NCCUs and general-mixed intensive care units (ICUs) to a COVID-ICU (OR 3.7; 95% CI, 1.9-7.3), conversion of non-ICU beds to ICU beds (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.8-6.5), and deviations in critical care and pharmaceutical practices (OR, 4.2; 95% CI 2.1-8.2). Respondents from hospitals with a dedicated NCCU were less likely to report conversion to a COVID-ICU (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9) or conversion of non-ICU to ICU beds (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.9). CONCLUSION This study reports the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global neurocritical care delivery, and highlights shortcomings of health care infrastructures and the importance of pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit V. Lele
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Neurological Surgery
| | - Sarah Wahlster
- Neurology, Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Neurological Surgery, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Meron Awraris Gebrewold
- Department of Neurology, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sherry H.-Y. Chou
- Departments of Critical Care Medicine, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Gretchen Crabtree
- Neurocritical Care, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Shane English
- Department of Medicine (Critical Care), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Der-Nigoghossian
- Department of Pharmacy, Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY
| | - David J. Gagnon
- Maine Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Portland, ME
| | - May Kim-Tenser
- University of Southern California/Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles
| | | | - Matthew A. Kirkman
- Atkinson Morley Regional Neurosciences Centre, St George’s Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Lamperti
- Anesthesiology Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | | | | | - Kara Melmed
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Langone Health, New York City, NY
| | - Hemanshu Prabhakar
- Departments of Neuroanesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Leandro Tumino
- HIGA San Martín de La Plata y Clinica San Camilo, Argentina
| | - Chethan P. Venkatasubba Rao
- Division of Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care, Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s Medical Center, Houston, TX
| | - Andrew A. Udy
- Department of Intensive Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, The Alfred Hospital, and Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Asma M. Moheet
- Neurocritical Care, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH
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El Naamani K, Abbas R, Mukhtar S, El Fadel O, Sathe A, Kazan AS, El Hajjar R, Sioutas GS, Tjoumakaris SI, Menachem Maimonides Bhaskar S, Herial NA, Gooch MR, Rosenwasser RH, Jabbour P. Telemedicine During and Post-COVID 19: The Insights of Neurosurgery Patients and Physicians. J Clin Neurosci 2022; 99:204-211. [PMID: 35286972 PMCID: PMC8894734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 has caused a massive surge in telemedicine utilization as patients and physicians tried to minimize in-person contact to avoid the spread and impact of the pandemic. This study aims to expand on the knowledge of telemedicine during and beyond the COVID-19 era as it pertains to its use, efficacy, and patient and provider satisfaction through surveys. Methods This is a retrospective study involving 93 patients and 33 Neurosurgery physicians who anonymously participated in the survey about their experience with telemedicine visits. Results Most respondents indicated extreme satisfaction with their telemedicine encounters during the pandemic (77%). As for how comfortable physicians are in providing a diagnosis via telemedicine compared to clinic visits, 7 (21.9%) physicians felt extremely comfortable, 13 (40.6%) felt somewhat comfortable, 2 (6.4%) were neutral, 9 (28.1%) felt somewhat uncomfortable and 1 (3.1%) felt extremely uncomfortable. Physical examination was the main tool that telemedicine didn’t provide (n = 21, 100%). Conclusion Telemedicine has become a major force in the health care system under the circumstances the world is witnessing. Physicians and patients have displayed high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine which could be pivotal to improving healthcare access to underprivileged areas beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareem El Naamani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Rawad Abbas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Sarah Mukhtar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Omar El Fadel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Anish Sathe
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Adina S Kazan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Rayan El Hajjar
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Georgios S Sioutas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Sonu Menachem Maimonides Bhaskar
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Liverpool Hospital and South Western Sydney Local Health district, and NSW Brain Clot Bank, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Nabeel A Herial
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Michael R Gooch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Robert H Rosenwasser
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Pascal Jabbour
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Pandain JD, Panagos PD, Sebastian IA, Silva GS, Furie KL, Liu L, Owolabi MO, Caso V, Alrukn SA. Maintaining Stroke Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lower- and Middle-Income Countries: World Stroke Organization Position Statement Endorsed by American Stroke Association and American Heart Association. Stroke 2022; 53:1043-1050. [DOI: 10.1161/str.0000000000000394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
For more than a year, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a devastating effect on global health. High-, low, and middle-income countries are struggling to cope with the spread of newer mutant strains of the virus. Delivery of acute stroke care remains a priority despite the pandemic. In order to maintain the time-dependent processes required to optimize delivery of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy, most countries have reorganized infrastructure to optimize human resources and critical services. Low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) have strained medical resources at baseline and often face challenges in the delivery of stroke systems of care (SSOC). This position statement aims to produce pragmatic recommendations on methods to preserve the existing SSOC during COVID-19 in LMIC and propose best stroke practices that may be low cost but high impact and commonly shared across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyaraj D. Pandain
- Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India (J.D.P.)
| | - Peter D. Panagos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (P.D.P.)
| | - Ivy A. Sebastian
- Department of Neurology, St Stephens Hospital, New Delhi, India (I.A.S.)
| | - Gisele Sampaio Silva
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of São Paulo, Clinical Trialist/Neurology, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil (G.S.S.)
| | - Karen L. Furie
- Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital Chair of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence (K.L.F.)
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China (L.L.)
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing (L.L.)
| | - Mayowa O. Owolabi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Director, Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (M.O.O.)
| | - Valeria Caso
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Italy (V.C.)
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Ishaque N, Butt AJ, Kamtchum-Tatuene J, Nomani AZ, Razzaq S, Fatima N, Vekhande C, Nair R, Akhtar N, Khan K, Saqqur M, Shuaib A. Trends in Stroke Presentations before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis. J Stroke 2022; 24:65-78. [PMID: 35135061 PMCID: PMC8829489 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2021.01571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose There are reports of decline in the rates of acute emergency presentations during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic including stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on rates of stroke presentations and on rates of reperfusion therapy.Methods Following the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines, we systematically searched the literature for studies reporting changes in stroke presentations and treatment rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aggregated data were pooled using meta-analysis with random-effect models.Results We identified 37 observational studies (n=375,657). Pooled analysis showed decline in rates of all strokes (26.0%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 22.4 to 29.7) and its subtypes; ischemic (25.3%; 95% CI, 21.0 to 30.0), hemorrhagic (27.6%; 95% CI, 20.4 to 35.5), transient ischemic attacks (41.9%; 95% CI, 34.8 to 49.3), and stroke mimics (45.6%; 95% CI, 33.5 to 58.0) during months of pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period. The decline was most evident for mild symptoms (40% mild vs. 25%–29% moderate/severe). Although rates of intravenous thrombolytic (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) decreased during pandemic, the likelihood of being treated with IVT and EVT did not differ between the two periods, both in primary and in comprehensive stroke centers (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.24 and OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09, respectively).Conclusions Rates of all strokes types decreased significantly during pandemic. It is of paramount importance that general population should be educated to seek medical care immediately for stroke-like symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. Whether delay in initiation of secondary prevention would affect eventual stroke outcomes in the long run needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noman Ishaque
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Asif Javed Butt
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Joseph Kamtchum-Tatuene
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ali Zohair Nomani
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Red Deer Regional Hospital Center, Red Deer, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Razzaq
- Department of Medicine, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nida Fatima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chetan Vekhande
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Radhika Nair
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Naveed Akhtar
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khurshid Khan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maher Saqqur
- Department of Neurology, Trillium Health Care, University of Toronto, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ashfaq Shuaib
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Correspondence: Ashfaq Shuaib Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2G3, AB, Canada Tel: +1-780-248-1660 Fax: +1-780-248-1807 E-mail:
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Results of a four-year multi-channel regional program for monitoring stroke survivors in Franche-Comté, France. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 178:226-233. [PMID: 34895745 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Clinical monitoring of stroke survivors after hospital discharge was initiated in France in 2012 and funding for its model began in 2016. A regional program in Franche-Comté relying on various assessment methods including telehealth was initiated. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation and quality of the program. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted from 1st January 2016 to 31st December 2019. Patients were included if they were adults, hospitalized for stroke or transient ischemic attack in one of the six public hospitals in the region and discharged alive. There were five types of monitoring methods: physical consultation, day hospital, nurse-led phone consultation, postal mail or medical record analysis. Characteristics, method of monitoring and discharge delay were described. RESULTS In total, 7166 patients were identified; male gender predominated (52.9%); mean age was 72.2years. Monitoring coverage increased from 89.2% to 92% within the period. Most patients had ischemic stroke (68.5%, n=4912) and were at home at the time of monitoring (71.6%, n=5130). The main method was nurse-led phone consultations (40.8%, n=2921) followed by physical consultation (16%, n=1143). Day hospital monitoring increased (1.5% to 14.4%) while the postal mail method decreased (18.7% to 8.1%). The average delay decreased from 240.3 to 148.6days. Monitoring period of less than four months was 46.2% in 2019 and 75.3% for thrombolysis. In 2019, 99.3% of patients were being monitored at one year. Mortality decreased from 10% to 6.3%. DISCUSSION The program improved over time with an increase in the number of patients and reduction in delays and mortality rate.
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Pandian JD, Panagos PD, Sebastian IA, Sampaio Silva G, Furie KL, Liu L, Owolabi MO, Caso V, Alrukn SA. Maintaining stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic in lower- and middle-income countries: World Stroke Organization Position Statement endorsed by American Stroke Association and American Heart Association. Int J Stroke 2021; 17:9-17. [PMID: 34711104 DOI: 10.1177/17474930211055878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
For more than a year, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had a devastating effect on global health. High-, low-, and middle-income countries are struggling to cope with the spread of newer mutant strains of the virus. Delivery of acute stroke care remains a priority despite the pandemic. In order to maintain the time-dependent processes required to optimize delivery of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy, most countries have reorganized infrastructure to optimize human resources and critical services. Low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) have strained medical resources at baseline and often face challenges in the delivery of stroke systems of care (SSOC). This position statement aims to produce pragmatic recommendations on methods to preserve the existing SSOC during COVID-19 in LMIC and propose best stroke practices that may be low cost but high impact and commonly shared across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyaraj D Pandian
- Department of Neurology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Peter D Panagos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ivy A Sebastian
- Department of Neurology, St Stephens Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Gisele Sampaio Silva
- Department of Neurology, Federal University of São Paulo, Clinical Trialist/Neurology, Albert Einstein Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karen L Furie
- Department of Neurology, Rhode Island Hospital Chair of Neurology, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Mayowa O Owolabi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Director, Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Valeria Caso
- Department of Neurology, Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has affected the health of people across the globe. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a significant relationship with COVID-19, both as a risk factor and prognostic indicator, and as a complication of the disease itself. In addition to predisposing to CVD complications, the ongoing pandemic has severely affected the delivery of timely and appropriate care for cardiovascular conditions resulting in increased mortality. The etiology behind the cardiac injury associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is likely varied, including coronary artery disease, microvascular thrombosis, myocarditis, and stress cardiomyopathy. Further large-scale investigations are needed to better determine the underlying mechanism of myocardial infarction and other cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients and to determine the incidence of each type of cardiac injury in this patient population. Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies can play an important role in optimizing outcomes in patients with established CVD. In this article, we summarize the various impacts that COVID-19 has on the cardiovascular system, including myocardial infarction, myocarditis, stress cardiomyopathy, thrombosis, and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gayatri Pemmasani
- †Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - Srikanth Yandrapalli
- †Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
| | - William H. Frishman
- †Departments of Medicine and Cardiology, New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY
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Impact of the pandemic of COVID-19 on emergency attendance for stroke and acute myocardial infarction in Beijing, China. J Thromb Thrombolysis 2021; 52:1047-1055. [PMID: 33904052 PMCID: PMC8075280 DOI: 10.1007/s11239-021-02385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
To estimate the impact on emergency attendance for stroke and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during the pandemic of COVID-19 in Beijing, China. Based on 17,123 and 8693 emergency attendance for stroke and AMI, an interrupted time-series (ITS) study was conducted. Since 01/24/2020, the top two levels of regulations on major public health have been implemented in Beijing. This study covered from 03/01/2018 to 06/03/2020, including 19 weeks of lockdown period and 99 weeks before. A segmented Poisson regression model was used to estimate the immediate change and the monthly change in the secular trend of the emergency attendance rates. The emergency attendance rates of stroke and AMI cut in half at the beginning of the lockdown period, with 52.1% (95% CI 45.8% to 57.7%) and 63.1% (95% CI 56.1% to 63.1%) immediate decreases for stroke and AMI, respectively. Then during the lockdown period, 7.0% (95% CI 2.5%, 11.6%) and 16.1% (95% CI 9.5, 23.1) increases per month in the secular trends of emergency attendance rates were shown for stroke and AMI, respectively. Though the accelerated increasing rates, there were estimated 1335 and 747 patients with stroke and AMI without seeking emergency medical aid during the lockdown, respectively. The emergency attendance for stroke and AMI cut in half at the beginning of the pandemic then had gradual restoration thereafter. The results hint the need for more engagement and communications with all stakeholders to reduce the negative impact on CVD emergency medical services during the crisis.
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Guzik AK, Martin-Schild S, Tadi P, Chapman SN, Al Kasab S, Martini SR, Meyer BC, Demaerschalk BM, Wozniak MA, Southerland AM. Telestroke Across the Continuum of Care: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105802. [PMID: 33866272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While use of telemedicine to guide emergent treatment of ischemic stroke is well established, the COVID-19 pandemic motivated the rapid expansion of care via telemedicine to provide consistent care while reducing patient and provider exposure and preserving personal protective equipment. Temporary changes in re-imbursement, inclusion of home office and patient home environments, and increased access to telehealth technologies by patients, health care staff and health care facilities were key to provide an environment for creative and consistent high-quality stroke care. The continuum of care via telestroke has broadened to include prehospital, inter-facility and intra-facility hospital-based services, stroke telerehabilitation, and ambulatory telestroke. However, disparities in technology access remain a challenge. Preservation of reimbursement and the reduction of regulatory burden that was initiated during the public health emergency will be necessary to maintain expanded patient access to the full complement of telestroke services. Here we outline many of these initiatives and discuss potential opportunities for optimal use of technology in stroke care through and beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Guzik
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Sheryl Martin-Schild
- Department of Neurology, Touro Infirmary and New Orleans East Hospital, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Prasanna Tadi
- Department of Neurology, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sherita N Chapman
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sami Al Kasab
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Sharyl R Martini
- Department of Neurology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brett C Meyer
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Bart M Demaerschalk
- Department of Neurology, Center for Connected Care, and Center for Digital Health, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Marcella A Wozniak
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew M Southerland
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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13
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Venketasubramanian N, Anderson C, Ay H, Aybek S, Brinjikji W, de Freitas GR, Del Brutto OH, Fassbender K, Fujimura M, Goldstein LB, Haberl RL, Hankey GJ, Heiss WD, Lestro Henriques I, Kase CS, Kim JS, Koga M, Kokubo Y, Kuroda S, Lee K, Lee TH, Liebeskind DS, Lip GYH, Meairs S, Medvedev R, Mehndiratta MM, Mohr JP, Nagayama M, Pantoni L, Papanagiotou P, Parrilla G, Pastori D, Pendlebury ST, Pettigrew LC, Renjen PN, Rundek T, Schminke U, Shinohara Y, Tang WK, Toyoda K, Wartenberg KE, Wasay M, Hennerici MG. Stroke Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Expert Panel Review. Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 50:245-261. [PMID: 33756459 PMCID: PMC8089455 DOI: 10.1159/000514155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has placed a tremendous strain on healthcare services. This study, prepared by a large international panel of stroke experts, assesses the rapidly growing research and personal experience with COVID-19 stroke and offers recommendations for stroke management in this challenging new setting: modifications needed for prehospital emergency rescue and hyperacute care; inpatient intensive or stroke units; posthospitalization rehabilitation; follow-up including at-risk family and community; and multispecialty departmental developments in the allied professions. SUMMARY The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 uses spike proteins binding to tissue angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 receptors, most often through the respiratory system by virus inhalation and thence to other susceptible organ systems, leading to COVID-19. Clinicians facing the many etiologies for stroke have been sobered by the unusual incidence of combined etiologies and presentations, prominent among them are vasculitis, cardiomyopathy, hypercoagulable state, and endothelial dysfunction. International standards of acute stroke management remain in force, but COVID-19 adds the burdens of personal protections for the patient, rescue, and hospital staff and for some even into the postdischarge phase. For pending COVID-19 determination and also for those shown to be COVID-19 affected, strict infection control is needed at all times to reduce spread of infection and to protect healthcare staff, using the wealth of well-described methods. For COVID-19 patients with stroke, thrombolysis and thrombectomy should be continued, and the usual early management of hypertension applies, save that recent work suggests continuing ACE inhibitors and ARBs. Prothrombotic states, some acute and severe, encourage prophylactic LMWH unless bleeding risk is high. COVID-19-related cardiomyopathy adds risk of cardioembolic stroke, where heparin or warfarin may be preferable, with experience accumulating with DOACs. As ever, arteritis can prove a difficult diagnosis, especially if not obvious on the acute angiogram done for clot extraction. This field is under rapid development and may generate management recommendations which are as yet unsettled, even undiscovered. Beyond the acute management phase, COVID-19-related stroke also forces rehabilitation services to use protective precautions. As with all stroke patients, health workers should be aware of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and/or distress developing in their patients and caregivers. Postdischarge outpatient care currently includes continued secondary prevention measures. Although hoping a COVID-19 stroke patient can be considered cured of the virus, those concerned for contact safety can take comfort in the increasing use of telemedicine, which is itself a growing source of patient-physician contacts. Many online resources are available to patients and physicians. Like prior challenges, stroke care teams will also overcome this one. Key Messages: Evidence-based stroke management should continue to be provided throughout the patient care journey, while strict infection control measures are enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig Anderson
- The George Institute for Global Health, Camperdown, Washington, Australia
| | - Hakan Ay
- Departments of Neurology and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Limited, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Selma Aybek
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Inselspital, Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Waleed Brinjikji
- Department of Radiology, Vascular Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gabriel R de Freitas
- Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Neurology, Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Niterói, Brazil
| | - Oscar H Del Brutto
- School of Medicine, Universidad Espiritu Santo-Ecuador, Samborondón, Ecuador
| | - Klaus Fassbender
- Department of Neurology, Saarland University Medical Centre, Homburg, Germany
| | - Miki Fujimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kohnan Hospital, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Advanced Cerebrovascular Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Larry B Goldstein
- Department of Neurology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Roman L Haberl
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Intensive Medicine, Munich Clinic gGmbH, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Graeme J Hankey
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | | | - Isabel Lestro Henriques
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology Service, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos S Kase
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jong S Kim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Masatoshi Koga
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kokubo
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuroda
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Toyama Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kiwon Lee
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tsong-Hai Lee
- Department of Neurology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - David S Liebeskind
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Liverpool and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Stephen Meairs
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Roman Medvedev
- Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Jay P Mohr
- Tananbaum Stroke Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Masao Nagayama
- Department of Neurology, International University of Health and Welfare(IUHW), Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Leonardo Pantoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Papanagiotou
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte, Germany
- Aretaieion University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Guillermo Parrilla
- Department of Neurology, Interventional Neuroradiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniele Pastori
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah T Pendlebury
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Geratology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Tatjana Rundek
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ulf Schminke
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine, Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Wai Kwong Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kazunori Toyoda
- Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Mohammad Wasay
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Michael G Hennerici
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Mannheim University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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14
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Hubert GJ, Corea F, Schlachetzki F. The role of telemedicine in acute stroke treatment in times of pandemic. Curr Opin Neurol 2021; 34:22-26. [PMID: 33230037 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenges many healthcare systems. This review provides an overview of the advantages of telemedicine during times of pandemic and the changes that have followed the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. RECENT FINDINGS Telemedicine has been utilized during infectious outbreaks for many years. COVID-19 has induced a variety of changes in laws (i.e. data privacy protection) and reimbursement procedures to accelerate new setups of telemedicine. Existing networks provide novel data about teleactivation resulting from social restrictions during the nadir of the lockdown in spring 2020. SUMMARY Telemedicine is a safe and ideal expert support system for hospitals during infectious outbreaks. It makes high-quality medical procedures possible, limits potentially contagious interhospital transfers, saves critical resources such as protective gear and rescue/emergency transport services, and offers safe home office work for medical specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordian J Hubert
- TEMPiS Telemedical Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, München Klinik Harlaching, Munich, Germany
| | - Francesco Corea
- Stroke and Neurology Clinic, San Giovanni Battista Hospital, Foligno, Italy
| | - Felix Schlachetzki
- TEMPiS Telemedical Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Center for Vascular Neurology and Intensive Care, University of Regensburg, Medbo Bezirksklinikum
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15
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Wu Y, Chen F, Wang Z, Feng W, Liu Y, Wang Y, Song H. Reductions in Hospital Admissions and Delays in Acute Stroke Care During the Pandemic of COVID-19. Front Neurol 2020; 11:584734. [PMID: 33250851 PMCID: PMC7674953 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.584734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rapid and effective medical care for stroke is paramount to achieve maximal functional recovery. Because of the wide spreading of the coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19), acute stroke care is negatively impacted. How much acute care for stroke has been affected during the pandemic remains to be assessed. Methods: The first-level response to major public health was launched from January 24th to April 29th, 2020 in Beijing to contain the spread of COVID-19. Based on a database connecting all 77 stroke centers, the quantity and quality in emergency care for stroke during the 97 lockdown days were compared with the equivalent period in 2019. During the pandemic, 15 of the 77 stroke centers were designated to receive patients sick with COVID-19. Subgroup analyses were carried out by different types of hospitals (designated and undesignated). Results: There were 1,281 and 2,354 stroke emergency hospital admissions in the lockdown period and the parallel period in 2019, respectively. A reduction of 45.6% in admission was shown in the lockdown period, with more reductions for hemorrhagic stroke (69.0%) compared with ischemic stroke (42.9%). More reductions happened in COVID-19 designated hospitals (52.6%) compared with undesignated hospitals (41.8%). The mean NIHSS score at hospital arrival was significantly higher in the lockdown period (9.4 ± 7.7 in 2020 vs. 8.4 ± 7.8 in 2019, P < 0.001). For the metrics measuring the quality of acute stroke care, the onset to door (OTD), onset to needle (ONT), and onset to recanalization (OTR) times didn't change significantly, while significant delays are shown for the door to CT scan (DTC, 1 min delay), door to needle (DTN, 4 min delays), and door to puncture (DTP, 29 min delays) times, which mainly happened in COVID-19 undesignated hospitals. Conclusions: Profound reductions in stroke hospital admissions and significant delays in emergency care for acute ischemic stroke occurred during the pandemic of COVID-19. Engagement and effective communication with all stakeholders including patients, health care providers, governmental policymakers, and other implementation partners are required for future success in similar crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqun Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wuwei Feng
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Beijing Municipal Health Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Stroke Quality Control Center, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqing Song
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Stroke Quality Control Center, Beijing, China
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16
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Dula AN, Gealogo Brown G, Aggarwal A, Clark KL. Decrease in Stroke Diagnoses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Where Did All Our Stroke Patients Go? JMIR Aging 2020; 3:e21608. [PMID: 33006936 PMCID: PMC7581311 DOI: 10.2196/21608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the evidence suggesting a high rate of cerebrovascular complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2, reports have indicated decreasing rates of new ischemic stroke diagnoses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The observed decrease in emergency department (ED) visits is unsurprising during this major crisis, as patients are likely to prioritize avoiding exposure to SARS-CoV-2 over addressing what they may perceive as mild symptoms of headache, lethargy, difficulty speaking, and numbness. In the central and south Texas regions where we practice, we suspect that patient admission, treatment, and discharge volumes for acute stroke treatment have decreased significantly since COVID-19–related shelter-at-home orders were issued. Symptoms of stroke are frequently noticed by a family member, friend, or community member before they are recognized by the patients themselves, and these symptoms may be going unnoticed due to limited face-to-face encounters. This possibility emphasizes the importance of patient education regarding stroke warning signs and symptoms during the current period of isolation and social-distancing. The south Texas population, already saddled with above-average rates of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, has a higher stroke mortality rate compared to Texas and U.S. averages; however, the number of patients presenting to EDs with acute ischemic stroke diagnoses is lower than average. In our viewpoint, we aim to present the relative literature to date and outline our ongoing analyses of the highly affected and diverse stroke populations in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, to answer a simple question: where did all our stroke patients go?
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Nicole Dula
- Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.,Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Gretchel Gealogo Brown
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Aarushi Aggarwal
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Kal L Clark
- Department of Radiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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17
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Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the impact of regionally imposed social and healthcare restrictions due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the time metrics in the management of acute ischemic stroke patients admitted at the regional stroke referral site for Central South Ontario, Canada. METHODS We compared relevant time metrics between patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) before and after the declared restrictions and state of emergency imposed in our region (March 17, 2020). RESULTS We identified a significant increase in the median door-to-CT times for patients receiving intravenous tPA (19 min, interquartile range (IQR): 14-27 min vs. 13 min, IQR: 9-17 min, p = 0.008) and/or EVT (20 min, IQR: 15-33 min vs. 11 min, IQR: 5-20 min, p = 0.035) after the start of social and healthcare restrictions in our region compared to the previous 12 months. For patients receiving intravenous tPA treatment, we also found a significant increase (p = 0.005) in the median door-to-needle time (61 min, IQR: 46-72 min vs. 37 min, IQR: 30-50 min). No delays in the time from symptom onset to hospital presentation were uncovered for patients receiving tPA and/or endovascular reperfusion treatments in the first 1.5 months after the establishment of regional and institutional restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION We detected an increase in our institutional time to treatment metrics for acute ischemic stroke patients receiving tPA and/or endovascular reperfusion therapies, related to delays from hospital presentation to the acquisition of cranial CT imaging for both tPA- and EVT-treated patients, and an added delay to treatment with tPA.
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18
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Chen PM, Hemmen TM. Evolving Healthcare Delivery in Neurology During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. Front Neurol 2020; 11:578. [PMID: 32574251 PMCID: PMC7273522 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Chen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Thomas M Hemmen
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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19
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Nakagawa K, Yellowlees P. Inter-generational Effects of Technology: Why Millennial Physicians May Be Less at Risk for Burnout Than Baby Boomers. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2020; 22:45. [PMID: 32661817 PMCID: PMC7355130 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-020-01171-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Younger generations of physicians are using technology more fluently than previous generations. This has significant implications for healthcare as these digital natives become a majority of the population's patients, clinicians, and healthcare leaders. RECENT FINDINGS Historically, healthcare has been slow to adopt new technology. Many physicians have attributed burnout symptoms to technology-related causes like the EMR. This is partly due to policies and practices led by those who were less familiar and comfortable with using new technologies. Younger physicians will drive technological advancement and integration faster than previous generations, allowing technology to adapt more quickly to serve the needs of clinicians and patients. These changes will improve efficiency, allow more flexible working arrangements, and increase convenience for patients and physicians. The next generation of physicians will use technology to support their work and lifestyle preferences, making them more resilient to burnout than previous generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Nakagawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, 2230 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Peter Yellowlees
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, 2230 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
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