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Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Ehrlich, ME; Han, B; Lutz, M; Ghorveh, MG; Okeefe, YA; Shah, S; Kolls, BJ; Graffagnino, C
Published in: Neurohospitalist
October 2021

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rates of emergency medical services (EMS) utilization for acute stroke remain low nationwide, despite the time-sensitive nature of the disease. Prior research suggests several demographic and social factors are associated with EMS use. We sought to evaluate which demographic or socioeconomic factors are associated with EMS utilization in our region, thereby informing future education efforts. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients for whom the stroke code system was activated at 2 hospitals in our region. Univariate and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with use of EMS versus private vehicle. RESULTS: EMS use was lower in patients who were younger, had higher income, were married, more educated and in those who identified as Hispanic. Those arriving by EMS had significantly faster arrival to code, arrival to imaging, and arrival to thrombolytic treatment times. CONCLUSION: Analysis of regional data can identify specific populations underutilizing EMS services for acute stroke symptoms. Factors effecting EMS utilization varies by region and this information may be useful for targeted education programs promoting EMS use for acute stroke symptoms. EMS use results in more rapid evaluation and treatment of stroke patients.

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Published In

Neurohospitalist

DOI

ISSN

1941-8744

Publication Date

October 2021

Volume

11

Issue

4

Start / End Page

317 / 325

Location

United States
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Ehrlich, M. E., Han, B., Lutz, M., Ghorveh, M. G., Okeefe, Y. A., Shah, S., … Graffagnino, C. (2021). Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally. Neurohospitalist, 11(4), 317–325. https://doi.org/10.1177/19418744211010049
Ehrlich, Matthew E., Bin Han, Michael Lutz, Mohsen Ghiasi Ghorveh, Yasmin Ali Okeefe, Shreyansh Shah, Brad J. Kolls, and Carmelo Graffagnino. “Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally.Neurohospitalist 11, no. 4 (October 2021): 317–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/19418744211010049.
Ehrlich ME, Han B, Lutz M, Ghorveh MG, Okeefe YA, Shah S, et al. Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally. Neurohospitalist. 2021 Oct;11(4):317–25.
Ehrlich, Matthew E., et al. “Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally.Neurohospitalist, vol. 11, no. 4, Oct. 2021, pp. 317–25. Pubmed, doi:10.1177/19418744211010049.
Ehrlich ME, Han B, Lutz M, Ghorveh MG, Okeefe YA, Shah S, Kolls BJ, Graffagnino C. Socioeconomic Influence on Emergency Medical Services Utilization for Acute Stroke: Think Nationally, Act Locally. Neurohospitalist. 2021 Oct;11(4):317–325.
Journal cover image

Published In

Neurohospitalist

DOI

ISSN

1941-8744

Publication Date

October 2021

Volume

11

Issue

4

Start / End Page

317 / 325

Location

United States