TELEMEDICINE DIFFUSION IN STROKE NETWORKS: UPDATE OF AN ITALIAN NATIONAL SURVEY
Francesco Corea · 2018
Objectives u2013 This study aimed to investigate the diffusion of telemedicine in Italian stroke networks. With an online questionnaire to assess: type of stroke care setting, Volume of thrombolysis-thrombectomy/year, access to stroke care between different hospitals, the presence of imaging sharing protocols within the network or patients dispatchment screening; type of network solutions.Background u2013 Telemedicine has been used to improve access to care by allowing a neurologist at a remote location to interact with the patient and their family members. Prior studies have shown that the use of telemedicine for treatment of AIS is not only safe and effective, but it also increases the utilization of tPA, there by improving patient care and outcomes.Methods u2013 We have interviewed 26 Italian neurologists, working in large urban areas, from north southward, including Italian islands. In particular, these neurologists represented 14 different regions and 18 counties. A majority of neurologists replying to the survey (52 %) worked in large general hospitals, or smaller general hospitals (24%) a smaller number of physicians (14%) were committed in University Hospital or (10 %) independent foundation hospitals.Results u2013. The 65% of stroke networks involved in the survey had a low thrombolysis/ year volume while the 35 % had a thrombolysis/year volume above 100. According to the survey a local stroke network was established in 90% of cases. In the 50% of cases, the hospitals care is not homogeneous within the network. A network for the consultation of neuroimaging between hospitals is available in 40% of cases. In those describing an active network for Teleconsult (seven) the 50% used personal mobile devices, while only the 30 % use professional teleconference system, and in 20 % of cases used medical devices.Discussion and Conclusions u2013 Our findings demonstrated a relevant diffusion of Teleconsult in Italian stroke networks. The systems adopted are mostly individual solutions not integrated in protocollar pathways. These findings may encourage a systematization of Telemedicine medical curricula to increase larger access to neurological consults.