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Geographical access to imaging facilities for stroke patients in Scotland
J Seymour1, J Cairns, A Wilkie
1Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB252ZD, Scotland. j.seymour@abdn.ac.uk
Health & Place
|October 4, 2005
Summary
Most Scottish hospitals can provide brain imaging for stroke patients during work hours. However, limited weekend availability and full capacity in radiology departments require policy consideration for stroke care access.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Neurology
- Healthcare Access
Background:
- Stroke diagnosis relies heavily on timely brain imaging.
- Geographical and temporal access to these services can impact patient outcomes.
- Current guidelines recommend specific imaging protocols for suspected stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess geographical access to brain imaging for suspected stroke patients in Scotland.
- To evaluate current and future provision of stroke imaging services.
- To identify potential disparities in imaging availability, particularly out-of-hours.
Main Methods:
- Survey of Scottish clinical directors of radiology.
- Analysis of geographical and digital population data.
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software used for access mapping.
Main Results:
- Most departments can meet stroke imaging guidelines during normal working hours.
- Radiology departments operate at high capacity.
- Restricted scanning service availability for stroke patients noted in some regions during weekends.
Conclusions:
- Current stroke imaging provision is generally adequate during weekdays.
- Weekend imaging access for stroke is a concern in specific areas.
- Policy review of stroke imaging guidelines should consider capacity and out-of-hours access.