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Telestroke

  • Stroke (JF Meschia, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This study aims to describe the current state of telestroke clinical applications and policies, in addition to key technical and operational aspects of the telemedicine practice.

Recent Findings

Delivery of telestroke services for neurovascular care expanded from the intravenous alteplase decision and administration in acute emergency department settings to a continuum of services in mobile and inpatient stroke units, intensive care units, virtual stroke clinics, rehabilitation, and clinical research. Telestroke cost-effectiveness is well established from multiple perspectives. Stroke centers, certification agencies, and national registries have made essential recommendations regarding telestroke quality measures monitoring and reporting.

Summary

Telestroke continues to bring neurovascular expertise to resource-restricted areas with advanced virtual communication techniques, optimizing stroke care. Future research should aim at broadening telestroke technology applications, while improving quality and reducing the delivery-associated cost and resources. Comprehensive multidisciplinary virtual telestroke centers that cover all aspects of stroke management might become available in the future.

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  1. Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic, 5777 East Mayo Blvd, Phoenix, AZ, 85054, USA

    Oana M. Dumitrascu & Bart M. Demaerschalk

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  1. Oana M. Dumitrascu
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Correspondence to Oana M. Dumitrascu.

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O.M.D. and B.M.D. declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Stroke

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Dumitrascu, O.M., Demaerschalk, B.M. Telestroke. Curr Cardiol Rep 19, 85 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-017-0895-1

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