Indirect Effects of Operating a Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit.

Abstract

Mobile stroke units, also referred to as mobile stroke treatment units, have revolutionized acute stroke care by reducing thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy times, resulting in positive patient outcomes. These direct benefits of mobile stroke treatment units have been well documented in the literature. Yet, despite these demonstrated benefits, mobile stroke treatment unit programs are often perceived as a costly financial burden to establish. However, when implemented effectively, Mobile stroke programs can yield indirect societal and institutional benefits. We highlight the indirect effects and factors that are less commonly reported when operating a mobile stroke program, including aiding local emergency medical services, improving emergency department stroke care and throughput, optimizing hospital resource utilization, and extending community education and outreach initiatives.