Abstract TP382: Increasing Thrombolytic and Endovascular Therapy Utilization Through a Unique Telestroke Partnership

Introduction: Eastern North Carolina is often considered to be within the “buckle” of the stroke belt. This region of the southeastern United States has a high stroke incidence of and rate of mortality. Vidant Health is a regional health system composed of 8 hospitals serving 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. In 2016, 6 Vidant hospitals partnered with the Wake Forest Baptist Telestroke Network to provide 24/7 access to board certified vascular neurologists and improve access to tPA and neuroendovascular procedures. The Wake Forest Baptist Telestroke Network was established in 2009 to reduce death and disability caused by strokes in North Carolina. While the network serves 20 hospitals across North Carolina, the Vidant partnership is unique in that it houses a regional network within the larger state-wide network. Method: Three Vidant hospitals (Beaufort, Edgecombe and Duplin) were added to the network in February, 2016, with the additional three (Bertie, Chowan, and Roanoke-Chowan) joining in May, 20...