New Mobile Stroke Unit Programs Aim to Improve Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Mobile stroke unit (MSU) programs are established in Europe but are nascent in the U.S.
• MSUs aim to improve stroke outcomes by delivering immediate diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• Early U.S. deployments include New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and the University of Tennessee.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate the initial implementation and outcomes of Mobile Stroke Unit programs in the United States.
• To highlight the potential of MSUs to reduce time to treatment for stroke patients.
• To showcase advancements in MSU technology and staffing models.

Main Methods:

• Deployment of Mobile Stroke Units equipped with diagnostic tools and treatment capabilities.
• Response to emergency calls for suspected stroke cases.
• Administration of pre-hospital treatments, such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).

Main Results:

• The New York MSU responded to 29 calls in its first month, treating 12 suspected stroke patients.
• Two patients received tPA in the field, achieving full recovery by the next day.
• The Memphis MSU features advanced diagnostics and specialized nurse practitioners, bypassing telemedicine.

Conclusions:

• Early U.S. MSU programs demonstrate the feasibility and potential for positive patient outcomes.
• The success of MSUs hinges on demonstrating strong results to gain hospital and payer support.
• Establishing sustainable reimbursement models within the U.S. healthcare system remains a challenge for MSU programs.