Before implementation of a mobile prehospital telestroke program, the use of combined clinical simulation and Plan-Do-Study-Act methodology can improve the quality and optimization of the telemedicine system.

Background: When early and accurate identification of stroke occurs in the field by Emergency Medical Service (EMS) providers, the chances of reperfusion increases dramatically. Telestroke has made significant strides over the years and hold promise for potential use in the prehospital setting. However, the introduction of such a novel technology within a healthcare system can be complex. Purpose: To describe the use of the combination of clinical simulation and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology in the design of a mobile prehospital telestroke system. Methods: A multi-stakeholder team with representation from the Departments of Neurology and Emergency Medicine, Office of Telemedicine, Center of Human Simulation and Patient Safety, local EMS agency and a telemedicine developer collaborated to develop a mobile prehospital telestroke system over a 6 month time period. Modifications to telemedicine equipment, teleconferencing software and protocol were implemented based on the results of serial PDSA cycles and clinical simulation testing. We used data collected via direct observation notes, survey results and informal interviews during serial PDSA cycles and clinical simulation to test changes to improve our mobile prehospital telestroke system. Results: (see image of PDSA chart) Conclusion: The combined clinical simulation and PDSA model led to the identification of technical and operational barriers not considered in the original design of the mobile telemedicine platform and placement. Before implementation and financial investment in a mobile prehospital telestroke program, the use of combined clinical simulation and PDSA methodology can improve the quality and optimize the system use. Further PDSA and simulation cycles are needed to improve the design of our mobile system.

Background: Mobile prehospital telestroke presents a novel solution to improve stroke diagnosis and reduce treatment times. This study aims to 1) understand perceptions of a mobile ambulance-based telestroke system from all users and 2) evaluate system usability during ambulance transport. Methods: A Critical Care ambulance was equipped with a mobile telemedicine system to perform remote stroke assessments. Scripted scenarios were performed by trained actors during transport and evaluated by physicians using the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS). Scores obtained during transport were compared with independent bedside and original scripted NIHSS scores. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), NASA task load index (NASA TLX), audio-video quality scale and a modified Acceptability of Technology survey after completing the NIHSS evaluations. In addition, interviews were conducted to evaluate user’s experience and perceptions. Descriptive analysis was used for all surveys. Weighted kappa was used to compare the agreement in NIHSS scores. A regression model was used to further account for variations. Results: Ten scripted scenarios were simulated twice during the mobile transport and once at bedside. All simulations were completed except for one. NIHSS scores between mobile, bedside and original scripted scenarios revealed good agreement [weighted kappa=0.76 (95% CI: 0.63-0.9, p=0.63)]. There were no statistically significant differences in NIHSS scores between mobile and bedside evaluations. The results were independent of stroke scenarios, physicians, and actors. Overall, 92% and 81% raters deemed video and audio quality as “good” or “excellent” (rating < 3) respectively. The overall mean SUS score was 69.1 (13.3). Content analysis identified strengths, usability issues (i.e. audibility and equipment stability during transport), and safety concerns. Conclusion: This study used in-situ simulation to evaluate the viability of a mobile telestroke system. Simulating stroke scenarios using actors during a real ambulance transport allowed us to assess a health technology without risking patient safety while capturing realistic environmental factors.