Patient awareness and perception of stroke symptoms and the use of 911

Response to stroke symptoms and the use of 911 can vary by race/ethnicity. The quickness with which a patient responds to such symptoms has implications for the outcome and treatment. We sought to examine a sample of patients receiving a Remote Evaluation of Acute isCHemic stroke (REACH) telestroke consult in South Carolina regarding their awareness and perception of stroke symptoms related to the use of 911 and to assess possible racial/ethnic disparities.

As of September 2013, 2325 REACH telestroke consults were conducted in 13 centers throughout South Carolina. Telephone surveys assessing use of 911 were administered from March 2012-January 2013 among 197 patients receiving REACH consults. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with use of 911.

Most participants (73%) were Caucasian (27% were African-American) and male (54%). The mean age was 66 ± 14.3 years. Factors associated with use of 911 included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores >4 (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.63-11.25), unknown insurance which includes self-pay or not charged (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.15-7.28), and perception of stroke-like symptoms as an emergency (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.65-12.67). African-Americans were significantly more likely than Caucasians to call 911 (62% vs. 43%, P = .02).

African-Americans used 911 at a significantly higher rate. Use of 911 may be related to access to transportation, lack of insurance, or proximity to the hospital although this information was not available. Interventions are needed to improve patient arrival times to telemedicine equipped emergency departments after stroke.