Analysis of the Factors Intervening in the Prehospital Time in a Stroke Code

J Pers Med. 2023 Oct 23;13(10):1519. doi: 10.3390/jpm13101519.

Abstract

Introduction: Strokes continue to be considered public health problems due to the great social and health impact they entail. They are the second cause of death in the world, with a high incidence and prevalence. They are time-dependent diseases, and more than 80% of cases could be avoidable with greater management of risk factors.

Objective: to analyze the factors that influence prehospital time in a stroke code. Assess the population's knowledge of stroke symptoms and teach them how to act when a case is suspected. Document the continued training of health professionals for the early identification of patients with a suspected stroke. Demonstrate the importance of calling EMS as the first contact to reduce delays in prehospital time in a stroke.

Methodology: A bibliographic review was carried out focusing on articles published between December 2014 and August 2023. The following databases were consulted: Pubmed (Medline), Dialnet, Google Scholar, Web of Science (WOS), Scielo, Scopus, and ScienceDirect.

Results: After applying the article selection criteria and evaluating the quality of the methodology, a total of 18 articles were obtained. The results affirm that the importance of achieving a reduction in prehospital time is based mainly on knowledge of the symptoms and the use of new technologies.

Conclusions: The evidence supports that the prehospital time of action in the stroke code is affected by numerous factors. These factors are determining factors in the time of action to achieve good effectiveness in the treatment of the pathology.

Keywords: cerebrovascular accident; emergency medical services; ictus; time to treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.