When you have a stroke, time is running out. Patients must go to a specialized clinic within 30 minutes. But the hospital reform provides for a concentration of the centers. A data report shows whether people’s supplies are at risk.
Time and quality are crucial in the treatment of a stroke, so that the affected brain regions are sufficiently supplied with oxygen again. But in this country not all patients are taken to a clinic equipped with a so-called Stroke Unit (SU) specialized in stroke.
A non-negligible portion of patients continues to be admitted to clinics without such departments. A Data report from the Science Media Center (SMC) shows: If stroke patients were consistently transported to stroke units, 94% of the population could reach the clinic in less than 30 minutes despite specialization – a travel time that experts consider the maximum acceptable.
Stroke Units save lives
In Germany there are currently 349 stroke units certified by the German Stroke Society and others without certificate. These stations are equipped with specialized technology and trained staff and have been shown to improve people’s chances of survival and daily functioning after a stroke. Relevant medical guidelines therefore recommend that all people be treated in stroke units after a stroke.
But according to a 2020 survey, up to a third of mild stroke patients and up to 20% of severe stroke patients are taken to clinics without stroke units. According to estimates from the Federal Ministry of Health, a quarter of all stroke victims in 2021 were not treated in stroke units.
The SMC analyzed hospital data from 2022 and calculated how travel times would change if only stroke units were served. The results are available in interactive maps. In addition to certified Stroke Units, clinics that have a non-certified Stroke Unit but carry out a certain number of stroke treatments were also taken into consideration. A total of 476 locations were included in the analysis.
The results show: If care were to focus entirely on the Stroke Units, the average travel time would be around 14 minutes. As many as 94% of the population could reach a clinic with a Stroke Unit within the recommended 30 minutes. Nearly 6% would require longer travel times. Air rescue or telemedicine networks could provide care here.
The report also analyzes which stroke units offer thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure for mechanically removing blood clots. This treatment significantly improves the prognosis of many patients. According to the data, the average travel time to a Stroke Unit with thrombectomy is approximately 18 minutes.
The results are highly topical: On Friday, the Federal Council will decide on a clinic reform by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), which also includes a greater concentration of stroke care in stroke units. According to the report, specialization in stroke units could improve the quality of care, without significantly increasing travel times for the majority of the population.
dpa/gra
What are the key benefits of receiving treatment in a specialized Stroke Unit compared to a general emergency department?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Stroke Treatment Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Müller! Thank you for being here today to discuss an issue that’s critically important—stroke treatment and the role of specialized Stroke Units.
Dr. Müller (Expert): Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic that affects many lives, and I’m glad to share insights on it.
TNE: Absolutely! Let’s dive right in. The current data report indicates that time is of the essence when treating strokes. Why is it so critical for patients to arrive at specialized clinics within 30 minutes?
Dr. Müller: Great question! When a stroke occurs, every minute counts. The brain is incredibly sensitive to oxygen deprivation. If patients are treated quickly in a specialized clinic with a Stroke Unit, it significantly improves their chances of survival and recovery. The 30-minute window is seen as an optimal timeframe for intervention to halt the damage.
TNE: So, can you explain the concept of a Stroke Unit and the benefits it provides?
Dr. Müller: Certainly! A Stroke Unit is a specialized department in a hospital that has trained staff and advanced technologies specifically for stroke care. In Germany, we have 349 certified Stroke Units. Studies have shown that patients treated in these specialized units experience better outcomes in terms of survival and daily functioning, as opposed to being treated in general emergency departments.
TNE: That’s enlightening. However, the article mentions that a significant number of stroke patients are still being brought to non-specialized clinics. Why do you think that is?
Dr. Müller: This is a critical issue. There may be several reasons for this trend, including the distance from specialized units, lack of awareness among the public and even among first responders about the importance of going directly to a Stroke Unit. In fact, according to recent surveys, up to a third of mild stroke patients and 20% of severe ones are not taken to these specialized facilities.
TNE: The statistics you shared are concerning. How does the concentration of hospital centers factor into this situation?
Dr. Müller: The reform to concentrate hospital services can be double-edged. On one hand, it allows for better resource allocation and ensures that high-quality care is available in designated centers. On the other hand, it can pose travel challenges, especially in rural areas where patients may be farther away from these specialized units. However, the data suggests that 94% of the population could reach a Stroke Unit within 30 minutes if transportation policies prioritize these facilities.
TNE: It sounds like increased awareness and swift action are key components in improving stroke treatment outcomes. What can be done to address these issues?
Dr. Müller: Exactly! We need to emphasize education about recognizing stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate transport to Stroke Units. Training for paramedics and dispatchers is also crucial. Moreover, improving transport logistics and ensuring that emergency services are well-informed can drastically improve patient outcomes.
TNE: Dr. Müller, as we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to our audience about strokes and the importance of specialized treatment?
Dr. Müller: I would urge everyone to familiarize themselves with the signs of a stroke, often remembered by the acronym FAST—Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, and Time to call emergency services. The speed with which we act can save lives and determine the nature of recovery after a stroke. The message is clear—specialized treatment in Stroke Units can make all the difference.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for sharing your expertise on this vital subject. Your insights will certainly help raise awareness and encourage timely action when it comes to stroke care.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important issue.