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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
09:21
Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Rural-urban differences in acute stroke management practices: a modifiable disparity
Enrique C Leira1, David C Hess, James C Torner
1Department of Neurology, 2147-RCP, University of Iowa College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. enrique-leira@uiowa.edu
Archives of Neurology
|July 16, 2008
Summary
Rural stroke care lags behind urban areas, creating health disparities. Improving prehospital care, local emergency services, and interhospital transfers is crucial for equitable acute stroke management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Acute stroke management in rural US areas is suboptimal, leading to significant health disparities compared to urban centers.
- This care gap may exacerbate as advanced urban-centric stroke treatments become more prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and review challenges and potential solutions in rural acute stroke care.
- To analyze prehospital care, rural emergency department services, and interhospital transfer processes.
Main Methods:
- A PubMed search was conducted for articles published between 1997 and 2007.
- Searched terms included acute stroke, paramedics, ambulances, emergency services, and interhospital transportation in rural, urban, and nonurban US settings.
Main Results:
- Identified critical issues in prehospital care, local emergency department capabilities, and long-distance interhospital transfers for rural stroke patients.
- Highlighted the time and distance challenges inherent in the current rural stroke care system.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive strategy is needed to bridge the rural-urban stroke care gap.
- Recommendations include enhanced education for rural healthcare providers, remote support from tertiary care centers, and future clinical trials focused on rural stroke care strategies.
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