Telestroke officially recognised as critical to treat stroke in country Australia

A life-saving service which speeds up diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients in rural and regional areas has now been officially deemed best-practice.

Telestroke consultations have been strongly recommended in the Stroke Foundation’s Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management, approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Stroke Foundation Clinical Council Chair Professor Bruce Campbell said telestroke has been a game changer for patients and health professionals in the states where it has been rolled out.

“When a person has a stroke, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute and this is why rapid treatment is so crucial,” Professor Campbell said.

“Telestroke connects hospitals that do not have stroke specialists onsite 24/7 to remote specialists who can access brain imaging scans, diagnose the patient and recommend the best treatment path.

“This ensures treatment to break up a blood clot can begin immediately when appropriate, providing the patient with the best chance of a good outcome.”

Another new recommendation to the clinical guidelines will also deliver greater equity to survivors of stroke in rural and regional areas. It is the use of telehealth for rehabilitation services for those who cannot access them in their community. Restrictions on in-person therapies during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted telehealth as a viable and successful alternative.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said she is pleased both recommendations have been approved so quickly, providing clear guidance for health professionals.

“Australia is leading the way internationally for treatment and care for people with stroke by adopting a ‘living’ guidelines model, ensuring more people are given the opportunity to survive and live well after stroke,” Ms McGowan said.

“This Living Evidence process uses state-of-the-art digital technologies to enable the guidelines to be continually updated with the latest research without compromising rigorous scientific review, giving patients and clinicians immediate certainty about how new research should inform care.

“More clinicians use the guidelines than ever before because they are up to date, reliable and easily accessible online.”

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