Mass Media Intervention in Western Norway Aimed at Improving Public Recognition of Stroke, Emergency Response, and Acute Treatment
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Published on: November 26, 2013
Rajiv Advani1, Halvor Naess2, Martin Kurz1
1Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway; Neuroscience Research Group, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
Background:
This study evaluates the effect of a mass media intervention (MMI) on the number of admissions to the emergency room (ER) with a suspected acute-onset stroke and on the number of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). The MMI was run for 1 month, with a precampaign month, priming the treatment chain and raising in-hospital awareness.
Methods:
This study conducted a prospective analysis of all patients admitted to the ER before, during, and after the MMI to assess changes in admission rate and IVT treatment rate. The primary end point was to assess any change in the IVT treatment rate, and the secondary end point was to determine the number of acute stroke admissions to the ER within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
Results:
The MMI resulted in an increased IVT treatment rate from 7.3 to 11.3 patients per month, an increment of 54% (P = .002). This also resulted in IVT treatment percentages as high as 42%. The number of suspected acute stroke admissions to the ER increased from 37.3 to 72.8 patients per month, a 97% increase (P < .0001). The Epinion interviews showed that stroke symptom recognition increased from 66% to 75%.
Conclusion:
The MMI produced a significant increase in IVT treatment rate. This increased treatment rate is largely due to the increase in the number of acute stroke admissions to the ER. Targeting the treatment chain before the MMI led to unprecedented IVT treatment percentages. The effect of our MMI lasted for approximately 6 months before tapering off; repeated campaigns are a prerequisite for sustained IVT treatment rates.
Insights
A mass media intervention significantly increased emergency room admissions for acute stroke and the rate of intravenous thrombolysis treatment. This intervention improved stroke symptom recognition and treatment rates, though repeated campaigns are needed for sustained effects.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Evaluating the impact of a mass media intervention (MMI) on acute-onset stroke emergency room (ER) admissions.
- Assessing the effect of MMI on intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) treatment rates.
- Pre-campaign priming of the treatment chain and in-hospital awareness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of a mass media intervention (MMI) on emergency room (ER) admissions for suspected acute-onset stroke.
- To assess the impact of MMI on the number of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT).
- To determine changes in IVT treatment rates and acute stroke admission numbers.
Main Methods:
- Prospective analysis of ER admissions before, during, and after the MMI.
- Primary endpoint: change in IVT treatment rate.
- Secondary endpoint: number of acute stroke admissions within 4.5 hours of symptom onset.
Main Results:
- IVT treatment rate increased by 54% (7.3 to 11.3 patients/month), reaching 42% of eligible patients.
- Acute stroke admissions to the ER increased by 97% (37.3 to 72.8 patients/month).
- Stroke symptom recognition improved from 66% to 75% based on Epinion interviews.
Conclusions:
- The MMI significantly increased IVT treatment rates, primarily due to higher acute stroke admission numbers.
- Pre-campaign treatment chain preparation achieved high IVT treatment percentages.
- MMI effects lasted approximately 6 months; repeated campaigns are necessary for sustained IVT rates.
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