Adherence to ambulance performance indicators and patient outcomes after stroke: An Australian data linkage study

The impact of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) stroke performance indicators on patient outcomes is unclear. We aimed to evaluate adherence to EMS indicators (15 minutes response, 60 minutes transport to a stroke centre or both) and associations with treatment access and patient outcomes.

Retrospective cohort study using data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry and ambulance records from Victoria (2015-2017) for patients (≥18 years) with stroke transported by ambulance. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate EMS adherence to performance indicators and outcomes of interest.

Among 4206 patients (72 years; 42 % female), EMS indicators were less frequently met for patients in regional areas (aOR: 0.27; 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.43). Socio-economic disparities were observed, with patients in advantaged areas less likely to receive an ambulance response within 15 minutes. Adherence to EMS performance indicators was associated with shorter off-stretcher time and increased thrombolytic therapy use (aOR: 1.62; 95 % CI: 1.24, 2.11). EMS adherence to performance indicators did not significantly impact functional independence, or health-related quality of life.

EMS adherence to performance indicators improved off-stretcher time and thrombolytic therapy use but was influenced by geographic and socio-economic status. Refining EMS performance targets and tailoring public and EMS education on stroke is needed.