Potential effects of a mobile stroke unit on time to treatment and outcome in patients treated with thrombectomy or thrombolysis: A Danish–German cross‐border analysis

• DOI: 10.1111/ene.16298
• Publication Date: 2024-04-29T11:59:25Z
• Authors: Susanna Bluhm; Peter Schramm; Yannic Spreen‐Led...; Sebastian Bluhm; Thomas F. Münte; Morten Rye Eiersted; Frauke Wolfram; Robbert‐Jan Roder...; Troels Wienecke; Georg Royl
• Keywords: Danish; Stroke; Acute stroke

Abstract Background and purpose A mobile stroke unit (MSU) reduces delays in treatment by allowing thrombolysis on board avoiding secondary transports. Due to the beneficial effect comparison conventional emergency medical services, current guidelines recommend regional evaluation of MSU implementation. Methods In a descriptive study, pathways patients requiring transport for mechanical thrombectomy were reconstructed from individual patient records within Danish ( n = 122) an adjacent German region 80). Relevant timestamps included arrival times (on site, primary hospital, centre) as well initiation acute therapy. An optimal location each was determined. The resulting time saving translated into averted disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs). Results For region, required median driving 35 min patient. Time savings (median [Q1; Q3]) 7 (−15; 31) (15; 61) thrombectomy. corresponding 20 (8; 30) 43 (25; 66). Assuming 28 cases 52 this would translate 9.4 DALYs per year justifying annual net budget $0.8M purchasing power parity dollars (PPP‐$) region. avert 17.7 DALYs, PPP‐$1.7M. Conclusion effects can be calculated reflect differences hospital infrastructure between Denmark Germany.