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A Spatial Variation Analysis of In-Hospital Stroke Mortality Based on Integrated Pre-Hospital and Hospital Data in Mashhad, Iran. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2023; 26:300-309. [PMID: 38310430 PMCID: PMC10685828 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2023.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant advances in the quality and delivery of specialized stroke care, there still persist remarkable spatial variations in emergency medical services (EMS) transport delays, stroke incidence, and its outcomes. Therefore, it is very important to investigate the possible geographical variations of in-hospital stroke mortality and to identify its associated factors. METHODS This historical cohort study included suspected stroke cases transferred to Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad by the EMS from March 2018 to March 2019. Using emergency mission IDs, the pre-hospital emergency data were integrated with the patient medical records in the hospital. We used the Bayesian approach for estimating the model parameters. RESULTS Out of 301 patients (142 (47.2%) females vs. 159 (52.8%) males) with a final diagnosis of stroke, 61 (20.3%) cases had in-hospital mortality. Results from Bayesian spatial log-logistic proportional odds (PO) model showed that age (PO=1.07), access rate to EMS (PO=0.78), arrival time (evening shift vs. day shift, PO=0.09), and sequelae variables (PO=9.20) had a significant association with the odds of in-hospital stroke mortality (P<0.05). Furthermore, the odds of in-hospital stroke mortality were higher in central urban areas compared to suburban areas. CONCLUSION Marked regional variations were found in the odds of in-hospital stroke mortality in Mashhad. There was a direct association between age and odds of in-hospital stroke mortality. Hence, the prognosis of in-hospital stroke mortality could be improved by better control of hypertension, prevention of the occurrence of sequelae, increasing the access rate to EMS, and optimizing shift work schedule.
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State-of-the-Art Research in Blockchain of Things for HealthCare. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2023:1-29. [PMID: 37361466 PMCID: PMC10214365 DOI: 10.1007/s13369-023-07896-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Existing blockchain approaches exhibit a diverse set of dimensions, and on the other hand, IoT-based health care applications manifest a wide variety of requirements. The state-of-the-art analysis of blockchain concerning existing IoT-based approaches for the healthcare domain has been investigated to a limited extend. The purpose of this survey paper is to analyze current state-of-the-art blockchain work in several IoT disciplines, with a focus on the health sector. This study also attempts to demonstrate the prospective use of blockchain in healthcare, as well as the obstacles and future paths of blockchain development. Furthermore, the fundamentals of blockchain have been thoroughly explained to appeal to a diverse audience. On the contrary, we analyzed state-of-the-art studies from several IoT disciplines for eHealth, and also the study deficit but also the obstacles when considering blockchain to IoT, which are highlighted and explored in the paper with suggested alternatives.
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Assessment of stroke knowledge and awareness among primary healthcare providers: A cross-sectional survey from the Kezhou quality improvement in acute stroke care project. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1136170. [PMID: 36969687 PMCID: PMC10030606 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1136170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveAcute stroke care is a highly complex type of emergency medical service (EMS) involving patient-centered care in a highly unpredictable and stressful environment with the help of several busy providers. The ability of primary healthcare providers (PHPs) to identify stroke onset early and further manage referrals to higher-level hospitals becomes critical.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey about stroke knowledge and awareness among PHPs in China from September 2021 to December 2021. A total of 289 PHPs were divided into two groups, the stroke treatment window (STW) Aware group vs. the STW Unaware group according to their knowledge on the time window for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) management. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the predictors associated with knowledge of the time window for acute stroke management.ResultsOf 289 PHPs surveyed during the study period, 115 (39.7%) participants were aware of the time window for stroke management and were in the STW Aware group, while 174 (60.2%) were in the STW Unaware group. Forty percent of PHPs in the STW Aware group were familiar with the secondary stroke prevention goal of <140/90 mmHg, compared with 27.01% in the Unaware group (P < 0.05). PHPs were not sufficiently aware of loss of consciousness also a symptom of stroke in two groups (75.7 vs. 62.6%, P < 0.05). A higher proportion of PHPs in the STW Aware group believed that thrombolysis was an effective treatment for AIS (96.5 vs. 79.9%, P < 0.01). Endovascular therapy is indicated for AIS was perceived by a higher proportion of PHPs in the STW Aware group than that in the Unaware group (62.6 vs. 6.9%, P < 0.01). Eighty percent of PHPs in the STW Aware group reported attending training on stroke management compared with 58.1% in the Unaware group (P < 0.01). Logistic regression results showed that the predictors of stroke knowledge and awareness among PHPs included sex (OR: 2.3, 95% CI, 1.2–4.6), received training (OR: 2.9, 95% CI, 1.60–5.1), and times of training per year (OR: 0.70, 95% CI, 0.6–0.9).ConclusionsPHPs present with a mild to moderate level of stroke management knowledge in northwest China. Strategies to help increase stroke knowledge and awareness among PHPs should be considered in order to help improve the stroke related health service system.
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Spatial accessibility of emergency medical services in Chongqing, Southwest China. Front Public Health 2023; 10:959314. [PMID: 36684945 PMCID: PMC9853430 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.959314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Timely access to emergency medical services (EMS) can significantly reduce mortality. In China, the evidence of the accessibility of complete EMS which considers two related trips and involves large rural areas is insufficient. This study aimed to explore the accessibility of ambulance services and complete EMS in Chongqing and its regional differences, and to provide a reference for improving spatial accessibility of EMS in Chongqing and optimizing allocation of EMS resources. Methods The nearest neighbor method was used to measure spatial accessibility of ambulance services and complete EMS. Spatial aggregation patterns and influencing factors of spatial accessibility of complete EMS were analyzed using Moran's I index, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression. Results The medians of shortest travel time for ambulance, monitoring ambulance, primary EMS and advanced EMS in Chongqing were 7.0, 18.6, 36.2, and 47.8 min. The shortest travel time for complete EMS showed significant spatial aggregation characteristics. The Low-Low types that referred to cluster of short EMS travel time mainly distributed in city proper. The High-High types that referred to cluster of long EMS travel time mainly distributed in northeast and southeast of Chongqing. Urbanization rate was a negative influencing factor on shortest travel time for primary EMS, while average elevation and the number of settlements were positive influencing factors. GDP per capita and urbanization rate were negative influencing factors on shortest travel time for advanced EMS, while the number of settlements was a positive influencing factor. Conclusion This study evaluated the accessibility of EMS which considers two related trips in Chongqing. Although the accessibility of ambulances in Chongqing was relatively high, the accessibility of monitoring ambulance was relatively low. Regional and urban-rural differences in the accessibility of complete EMS integrating two related trips were obvious. It was recommended to increase financial investment in economic backward areas, increase high-quality EMS resources, enhance EMS capacity of central township health centers, strengthen road construction in mountainous areas, and provide reasonable planning of rural settlements for improving the spatial accessibility of EMS, narrowing the urban-rural gap and improving equity in getting EMS for all the people.
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Quality metrics in the management of acute stroke in Greece during the first 5 years of Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) implementation. Eur Stroke J 2023; 8:5-15. [PMID: 36793743 PMCID: PMC9923128 DOI: 10.1177/23969873221103474] [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: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Establishment of a prospective stroke registry may promote the documentation and improvement of acute stroke care. We present the status of stroke management in Greece using the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) dataset. Methods Consecutive patients with acute stroke were prospectively registered in RES-Q registry by contributing sites in Greece during the years 2017-2021. Demographic and baseline characteristics, acute management, and clinical outcomes at discharge were recorded. Stroke quality metrics, with a specific interest in the association between acute reperfusion therapies and functional recovery in ischemic stroke patients are presented. Results A total of 3590 acute stroke patients were treated in 20 Greek sites (61% men, median age 64 years; median baseline NIHSS 4; 74% ischemic stroke). Acute reperfusion therapies were administered in almost 20% of acute ischemic stroke patients, with a door to needle and door to groin puncture times of 40 and 64 min, respectively. After adjustment for contributing sites, the rates of acute reperfusion therapies were higher during the time epoch 2020-2021 compared to 2017-2019 (adjusted OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.04-1.64; p < 0.022; Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). After propensity-score-matching, acute reperfusion therapies administration was independently associated with higher odds of reduced disability (one point reduction across all mRS scores) at hospital discharge (common OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.45-2.58; p < 0.001). Conclusions Implementation and maintenance of a nationwide stroke registry in Greece may guide the stroke management planning, so that prompt patient transportation, acute reperfusion therapies, and stroke unit hospitalization become more widely accessible, improving the functional outcomes of stroke patients.
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Determining suitable machine learning classifier technique for prediction of malaria incidents attributed to climate of Odisha. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:1716-1732. [PMID: 33769141 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1905782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the influence of climate factors on malaria incidence in the Sundargarh district, Odisha, India. The WEKA machine learning tool was used with two classifier techniques, Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and J48, with three test options, 10-fold cross-validation, percentile split, and supplied test. A comparative analysis was carried out to ascertain the superior model among malaria prediction accuracy techniques in varying climate contexts. The results suggested that J48 had exhibited better skill than MLP with the 10-fold cross-validation method over the percentile split and supplied test options. J48 demonstrated less error (RMSE = 0.6), better kappa = 0.63, and higher accuracy = 0.71), suggesting it as most suitable model. Seasonal variation of temperature and humidity had a better association with malaria incidents than rainfall, and the performance was better during the monsoon and post-monsoon when the incidents are at the peak.
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PHAREO study: Perceived and observed accessibility to therapeutic drugs used for treating patients with inherited bleeding disorders. J Clin Pharm Ther 2022; 47:1667-1675. [PMID: 35726381 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13718] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE The dispensing of clotting factor concentrates in hospital pharmacies imposes accessibility constraints on patients and their caregivers, thereby increasing the disease burden. Very few studies have addressed these issues so far in terms of individual perceptions and actual difficulties. The PHAREO study aims to report patient's perception of treatment accessibility and evaluate spatial accessibility. METHODS The PHAREO study is an observational survey based on a questionnaire specifically designed for the study purpose in collaboration with patients' representatives in the second demographic and economic French region. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We collected 293 responses (participation rate of 64.1%) which show that 89.8% of respondents were either very or rather satisfied with regard to access to treatment. However, respondents reported difficulties in accessing the hospital pharmacy. The data also showed that 79.2% of respondents tended to over-estimate travel time which was reported above their acceptable threshold for 39.2% of them. The main determinants of dissatisfaction were parental burden (OR 2.5 [1.3; 4.8], p = 0.008) and waiting time at the hospital pharmacy (OR 1.5 [1.1;2.0], p = 0.016, per 10 min increase). WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION The PHAREO study provides subjective and objective data regarding satisfaction levels of persons with haemophilia and other coagulation deficiencies, with a high representativeness rate for patients on prophylaxis (87.5%). Both respondents and hospital pharmacists pled for an evolution of the current dispensing circuit to improve access to treatment and reduce the burden for patients. Currently, the community pharmacists are apart from the dispensing circuit. The authors propose improvements in the pathway of care for patients and their caregivers by including the community pharmacists alongside the hospital pharmacists in a centralized coordination scheme.
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Express improvement of acute stroke care accessibility in large regions using a centralized telestroke network. Eur Stroke J 2022; 7:259-266. [PMID: 36082245 PMCID: PMC9446331 DOI: 10.1177/23969873221101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke therapy has improved in recent decades, decreasing the rates of disability and death among stroke patients. Unfortunately, all health care systems have geographical disparities in infrastructure for stroke patients. A centralized telestroke network might be a low-cost strategy to reduce differences in terms of geographical barriers, equitable access, and quality monitoring across different hospitals. Aims: We aimed to quantify changes in stroke patients’ geographic access to specialized evaluation by neurologists and to intravenous acute stroke reperfusion treatments following the rapid implementation of a centralized telestroke network in the large region of Andalusia (8.5 million inhabitants). Methods: We conducted an observational study using spatial and analytical methods to examine how a centralized telestroke network influences the quality and accessibility of stroke care for a large region. Results: In the pre-implementation period, 5,005,477 (59.72% of the Andalusian population) had access to specialized stroke care in less than 30 min. After the 5-month process of implementing the telestroke network, 7,832,988 (93.5%) inhabitants had an access time of less than 30 min, bridging the gap in acute stroke care in rural hospitals. Conclusions: A centralized telestroke network may be an efficient tool to reduce the differences in stroke care access and quality monitoring across different hospitals, especially in large regions with low population density.
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Socio-spatial disparities in access to emergency health care-A Scandinavian case study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261319. [PMID: 34890436 PMCID: PMC8664193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Having timely access to emergency health care (EHC) depends largely on where you live. In this Scandinavian case study, we investigate how accessibility to EHC varies spatially in order to reveal potential socio-spatial disparities in access. Distinct measures of EHC accessibility were calculated for southern Sweden in a network analysis using a Geographical Information System (GIS) based on data from 2018. An ANOVA test was carried out to investigate how accessibility vary for different measures between urban and rural areas, and negative binominal regression modelling was then carried out to assess potential disparities in accessibility between socioeconomic and demographic groups. Areas with high shares of older adults show poor access to EHC, especially those in the most remote, rural areas. However, rurality alone does not preclude poor access to EHC. Education, income and proximity to ambulance stations were also associated with EHC accessibility, but not always in expected ways. Despite indications of a well-functioning EHC, with most areas served within one hour, socio-spatial disparities in access to EHC were detected both between places and population groups.
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Key opportunities and challenges for the use of big data in migration research and policy. UCL OPEN ENVIRONMENT 2021; 3:e027. [PMID: 37228797 PMCID: PMC10171412 DOI: 10.14324/111.444/ucloe.000027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Migration is one of the defining issues of the 21st century. Better data is required to improve understanding about how and why people are moving, target interventions and support evidence-based migration policy. Big data, defined as large, complex data from diverse sources, is regularly proposed as a solution to help address current gaps in knowledge. The authors participated in a workshop held in London, UK, in July 2019, that brought together experts from the United Nations (UN), humanitarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs), policy and academia to develop a better understanding of how big data could be used for migration research and policy. We identified six key areas regarding the application of big data in migration research and policy: accessing and utilising data; integrating data sources and knowledge; understanding environmental drivers of migration; improving healthcare access for migrant populations; ethical and security concerns around the use of big data; and addressing political narratives. We advocate the need for careful consideration of the challenges faced by the use of big data, as well as increased cross-disciplinary collaborations to advance the use of big data in migration research whilst safeguarding vulnerable migrant communities.
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Are there socio-economic inequities in access to reperfusion therapy: The stroke 69 cohort. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021; 177:1168-1175. [PMID: 34274130 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.02.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Low socio-economic status of individuals has been reported to be associated with a higher incidence of stroke and influence the diagnosis after revascularization. However, whether it is associated with poorer acute stroke management is less clear. To determine whether social deprivation was associated with a poorer access to reperfusion therapy, either intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in a population-based cohort. METHODS Over a 14-month period, all consecutive adult patients admitted to any emergency department or a comprehensive or primary stroke center (CSC/PSC) of the Rhône county with a confirmed ischemic stroke were included. The socioeconomic status of each patient was measured using the European Deprivation Index (EDI). The association between EDI and access to reperfusion therapy was assessed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Among the 1226 consecutive IS patients, 316 (25%) were admitted directly in a PSC or CSC, 241 (19.7%) received a reperfusion therapy; 155 IVT alone, 20 EVT alone, and 66 both therapies. Median age was 79 years, 1030 patients had an EDI level of 1 to 4, and 196 an EDI of 5 (the most deprived group). The most deprived patients (EDI level 5) did not have a poorer access to reperfusion therapy compared to all other patients in univariate (OR 1.22, 95%CI [0.85; 1.77]) nor in multivariate analyses (adjOR 0.97, 95%CI [0.57; 1.66]). CONCLUSIONS We did not find any significant association between socioeconomic deprivation and access to reperfusion therapy. This suggests that the implementation of EVT was not associated with increased access inequities.
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Characterizing the performance of emergency medical transport time metrics in a residentially segregated community. Am J Emerg Med 2021; 50:111-119. [PMID: 34340164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To derive and characterize the performance of various metrics of emergency transport time in assessing for sociodemographic disparities in the setting of residential segregation. Secondarily to characterize racial disparities in emergency transport time of suspected stroke patients in Austin, Texas. DATA SOURCES We used a novel dataset of 2518 unique entries with detailed spatial and temporal information on all suspected stroke transports conducted by a public emergency medical service in Central Texas between 2010 and 2018. STUDY DESIGN We conducted one-way ANOVA tests with post-hoc pairwise t-tests to assess how mean hospital transport times varied by patient race. We also developed a spatially-independent metric of emergency transport urgency, the ratio of expected duration of self-transport to a hospital and the measured transport time by an ambulance. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION We calculated ambulance arrival and destination times using sequential temporospatial coordinates. We excluded any entries in which patient race was not recorded. We also excluded entries in which ambulances' routes did not pass within 100 m of either the patient's location or the documented hospital destination. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We found that mean transport time to a hospital was 2.5 min shorter for black patients compared to white patients. However, white patients' transport times to a hospital were found to be, on average, 4.1 min shorter than expected compared to 3.4 min shorter than expected for black patients. One-way ANOVA testing for the spatially-independent index of emergency transport urgency was not statistically significant, indicating that average transport time did not vary significantly across racial groups when accounting for variations in transport distance. CONCLUSIONS Using a novel transport urgency index, we demonstrate that these findings represent race-based variation in spatial distributions rather than racial bias in emergency medical transport. These results highlight the importance of closely examining spatial distributions when utilizing temporospatial data to investigate geographically-dependent research questions.
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Risk and space: modelling the accessibility of stroke centers using day- & nighttime population distribution and different transportation scenarios. Int J Health Geogr 2021; 20:31. [PMID: 34187473 PMCID: PMC8243862 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-021-00284-y] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Rapid accessibility of (intensive) medical care can make the difference between life and death. Initial care in case of strokes is highly dependent on the location of the patient and the traffic situation for supply vehicles. In this methodologically oriented paper we want to determine the inequivalence of the risks in this respect. Methods Using GIS we calculate the driving time between Stroke Units in the district of Münster, Germany for the population distribution at day- & nighttime. Eight different speed scenarios are considered. In order to gain the highest possible spatial resolution, we disaggregate reported population counts from administrative units with respect to a variety of factors onto building level. Results The overall accessibility of urban areas is better than in less urban districts using the base scenario. In that scenario 6.5% of the population at daytime and 6.8% at nighttime cannot be reached within a 30-min limit for the first care. Assuming a worse traffic situation, which is realistic at daytime, 18.1% of the population fail the proposed limit. Conclusions In general, we reveal inequivalence of the risks in case of a stroke depending on locations and times of the day. The ability to drive at high average speeds is a crucial factor in emergency care. Further important factors are the different population distribution at day and night and the locations of health care facilities. With the increasing centralization of hospital locations, rural residents in particular will face a worse accessibility situation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12942-021-00284-y.
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Geographic Access to Stroke Care Services in Rural Communities in Ontario, Canada. Can J Neurol Sci 2021; 47:301-308. [PMID: 31918777 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal stroke care requires access to resources such as neuroimaging, acute revascularization, rehabilitation, and stroke prevention services, which may not be available in rural areas. We aimed to determine geographic access to stroke care for residents of rural communities in the province of Ontario, Canada. METHODS We used the Ontario Road Network File database linked with the 2016 Ontario Acute Stroke Care Resource Inventory to estimate the proportion of people in rural communities, defined as those with a population size <10,000, who were within 30, 60, and 240 minutes of travel time by car from stroke care services, including brain imaging, thrombolysis treatment centers, stroke units, stroke prevention clinics, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and endovascular treatment centers. RESULTS Of the 1,496,262 people residing in rural communities, the majority resided within 60 minutes of driving time to a center with computed tomography (85%), thrombolysis (81%), a stroke unit (68%), a stroke prevention clinic (74%), or inpatient rehabilitation (77.0%), but a much lower proportion (32%) were within 60 minutes of driving time to a center capable of providing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). CONCLUSIONS Most rural Ontario residents have appropriate geographic access to stroke services, with the exception of EVT. This information may be useful for jurisdictions seeking to optimize the regional organization of stroke care services.
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District division administrative disaggregation data framework for monitoring leaving no one behind in the National Health Insurance Fund of Sudan: achieving sustainable development goals in 2030. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:5. [PMID: 33407542 PMCID: PMC7789368 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01338-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to monitor the concept of 'leaving no one behind' in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to track the implications of the mobilization of health care resources by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) of Sudan. METHODS A cross-sectional study was used to monitor 'leaving no one behind' in NHIF by analyzing the secondary data of the information system for the year 2016. The study categorized the catchment areas of health care centers (HCCS) according to district administrative divisions, which are neighborhood, subdistrict, district, and zero. The District Division Administrative Disaggregation Data (DDADD) framework was developed and investigated with the use of descriptive statistics, maps of Sudan, the Mann-Whitney test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and health equity catchment indicators. SPSS ver. 18 and EndNote X8 were also used. RESULTS The findings show that the NHIF has mobilized HCCs according to coverage of the insured population. This mobilization protected the insured poor in high-coverage insured population districts and left those living in very low-coverage districts behind. The Mann-Whitney test presented a significant median difference in the utilization rate between catchment areas (P value < 0.001). The results showed that the utilization rate of the insured poor who accessed health care centers by neighborhood was higher than that of the insured poor who accessed by more than neighborhood in each state. The Kruskal-Wallis test of the cost of health care services per capita in each catchment area showed a difference (P value < 0.001) in the median between neighborhoods. The cost of health care services in low-coverage insured population districts was higher than that in high-coverage insured population districts. CONCLUSION The DDADD framework identified the inequitable distribution of health care services in low-density population districts leaves insured poor behind. Policymakers should restructure the equation of health insurance schemes based on equity and probability of illness, to distribute health care services according to needs and equity, and to remobilize resources towards districts left behind.
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Short and long-term impact of four sets of actions on acute ischemic stroke management in Rhône County, a population based before-and-after prospective study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:12. [PMID: 33397363 PMCID: PMC7783982 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05982-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Optimizing access to recanalization therapies in acute ischemic stroke patients is crucial. Our aim was to measure the short and long term effectiveness, at the acute phase and 1 year after stroke, of four sets of actions implemented in the Rhône County. Methods The four multilevel actions were 1) increase in stroke units bed capacity and development of endovascular therapy; 2) improvement in knowledge and skills of healthcare providers involved in acute stroke management using a bottom-up approach; 3) development and implementation of new organizations (transportation routes, pre-notification, coordination by the emergency call center physician dispatcher); and 4) launch of regional public awareness campaigns in addition to national campaigns. A before-and-after study was conducted with two identical population-based cohort studies in 2006–7 and 2015–16 in all adult ischemic stroke patients admitted to any emergency department or stroke unit of the Rhône County. The primary outcome criterion was in-hospital management times, and the main secondary outcome criteria were access to reperfusion therapy (either intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular treatment) and pre-hospital management times in the short term, and 12-month prognosis measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the long term. Results Between 2015–16 and 2006–7 periods ischemic stroke patients increased from 696 to 717, access to reperfusion therapy increased from 9 to 23% (p < 0.0001), calls to emergency call-center from 40 to 68% (p < 0.0001), first admission in stroke unit from 8 to 30% (p < 0.0001), and MRI within 24 h from 18 to 42% (p < 0.0001). Onset-to-reperfusion time significantly decreased from 3h16mn [2 h54-4 h05] to 2h35mn [2 h05-3 h19] (p < 0.0001), mainly related to a decrease in delay from admission to imaging. A significant decrease of disability was observed, as patients with mild disability (mRS [0–2]) at 12 months increased from 48 to 61% (p < 0.0001). Pre-hospital times, however, did not change significantly. Conclusions We observed significant improvement in access to reperfusion therapy, mainly through a strong decrease of in-hospital management times, and in 12-month disability after the implementation of four sets of actions between 2006 and 2016 in the Rhône County. Reducing pre-hospital times remains a challenge.
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Access to treatment among persons with hemophilia: A spatial analysis assessment in the Rhone-Alpes region, France. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2019; 59:797-803. [PMID: 31405805 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In France, only hospital pharmacies can dispense clotting factor concentrates to persons with hemophilia, which limits the access to care for the treatment and the prevention of bleeding episodes. Moreover, the cost of clotting factor concentrates may restrain the maintenance of sufficient stocks in hospital pharmacies. The aim of this study was to investigate the accessibility of clotting factor concentrates to persons with hemophilia in the context of long-term prophylaxis and emergency treatment in the Rhone-Alpes region of France. METHODS A geographic information system was used for evaluating accessibility of clotting factor concentrates. Persons with hemophilia and hospital pharmacies were geolocalized with the use of postal data, and the evaluation of accessibility was based on the road network. RESULTS Approximately 72% of the study area was accessible in less than 30 minutes to a hospital pharmacy. Eighty-five percent of persons with hemophilia had access to clotting factor concentrates for prophylactic treatment in less than 20 minutes. Most of them were patients with severe or moderate hemophilia. Regarding emergency doses, factor VIII was accessible in less than 30 minutes in 45.6% of the study area, and factor IX in 30.5%. CONCLUSION This study highlights that spatial access to clotting factor concentrates by persons with hemophilia in the Rhône-Alpes region is good for prophylactic treatment but is more uneven for emergency doses.
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Que peuvent apporter les sciences humaines et sociales à la recherche en médecine d’urgence ? ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.3166/afmu-2018-0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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