ERIC Number: EJ738744
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 5
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0890-765X
EISSN: N/A
Availability of Diagnostic and Treatment Services for Acute Stroke in Frontier Counties in Montana and Northern Wyoming
Okon, Nicholas J.; Rodriguez, Daniel V.; Dietrich, Dennis W.; Oser, Carrie S.; Blades, Lynda L.; Burnett, Anne M.; Russell, Joseph A.; Allen, Martha J.; Chasson, Linda; Helgerson, Steven D.; Gohdes, Dorothy; Harwell, Todd S.
Journal of Rural Health, v22 n3 p237-241 Sum 2006
Context: Rapid diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke can lead to improved patient outcomes. Hospitals in rural and frontier counties, however, face unique challenges in providing diagnostic and treatment services for acute stroke. Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the availability of key diagnostic technology and programs for acute stroke evaluation and treatment in Montana and northern Wyoming. Methods: In 2004, hospital medical directors or their designees were mailed a survey about the availability of diagnostic technology, programs, and personnel for acute stroke care. Findings: Fifty-eight of 67 (87%) hospitals responded to the survey. Seventy-nine percent (46/58) of responding hospitals were located in frontier counties, with an average bed size of 18 (11 SD). Of the hospitals in frontier counties, 44% reported emergency medical services prehospital stroke identification programs, 39% had 24-hour computed tomography capability, 44% had an emergency department stroke protocol, and 61% had a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator protocol. Thirty percent of hospitals in frontier counties reported that they met 6-10 of the criteria established by the Brain Attack Coalition to improve acute stroke care compared to 67% of hospitals in the nonfrontier counties. Conclusion: A stroke network model could enhance care and improve outcomes for stroke victims in frontier counties.
Descriptors: Counties, Medical Services, Clinical Diagnosis, Patients, Outcomes of Treatment, Hospitals, Mail Surveys, Models, Technological Advancement, Neurological Impairments, Access to Health Care, Rural Population
Blackwell Publishing. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8599; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: customerservices@blackwellpublishing.com; Web site: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/jnl_default.asp.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Montana; Wyoming
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A