Factors associated with early arrival and evaluation of stroke patients in a regional tertiary hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a time-dependent emergency. The majority of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke are excluded from reperfusion therapies due to late consultation. The factors associated with early arrival and evaluation of patients with acute stroke in our population are unknown. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with early arrival and evaluation of patients with acute stroke. Methods: A convenience sample of the stroke consultations made during shift # 1 at the ER between January 2016 and December 2017, was analyzed. Results: There were 584 stroke consultations in the period. 55.1% were men. The median time of arrival was 8 hours and 11 minutes. The median time for evaluation by neurologist was 66 minutes. Having an address in Temuco-Padre Las Casas and the severity of stroke was associated with early consultation with a combined OR of 5.97 (CI 95% 3.23-11.04). For an evaluation within one hour, in the logistic regression model, the variables severity, arrival in ambulance and consultation in less than 3 hours were statistically significant with a combined OR of 10.86 (CI 95% 5.15-22.94). Conclusions: The factors associated with early consultation and evaluation include residing in communes near the hospital and presenting more severe symptoms of stroke. It is suggested to implement strategies to increase the degree of recognition of stroke symptoms and to reduce barriers to access hospitals that treat patients with stroke.