Abstract T P212: One Year Experience Of An Urban Primary Stroke Center With An Integrated Internal Telestroke System

Background: Telestroke systems have offered expert stroke care to underserved communities across the United States. Usually, the telestroke service is provided by external consultants, from other institutions with limited access to patients’ medical charts and prior imaging. Here, we report on our one-year experience of an internal telestroke system at a community Primary Stroke Center. Methodology: Prior to August 2013, assessment of thrombolytics was provided by in-house neurologists through bedside consultation during the day and telephone consultation after hours. However, starting August 2013 acute stroke care is provided by neurologists using a telemedicine device via an integrated internal telestroke program. Given the integrated nature of our hospital system, these physicians have immediate access to medical charts, history, laboratory, and prior as well as current imaging. In order to prove the viability of this program, we compared outcomes between the two acute stroke care processes. We determi...