Morbidity associated with transport specific delays in remote regions: theoretical comparison of transport options specific to Wagga Wagga


Dr Michael Valente, A/Prof Martin Jude 

Abstract

Using cases from Wagga Wagga and Canberra Hospitals we are able to estimate the total delay in onset to reperfusion time caused by inter-hospital transport for patients with acute ischaemic stroke. An important treatment for patients with acute ischaemic stroke within 24 hours of onset is endovascular clot retrieval. The benefit of this treatment is highly contingent on how soon it is completed after the onset of the stroke. Even short one to two hour transport delays can significantly reduce the likelihood that a patient returns to functional independence. In this brief literature review we aim to summarise the effect that transport delays have on patients treated in Wagga Wagga. Future investigation should be aimed at determining novel ways to expedite transport of patients to comprehensive stroke centres (were clot retrieval is available) or how we can more easily bring the interventional radiologist to the patient.