Emergency Medical Services dispatcher recognition of stroke: A systematic review

European Stroke Journal, 2024 · DOI: 10.1177/23969873231223339 · Published: May 1, 2024

Neurology Trauma Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

Stroke treatments are most effective when administered quickly, making early and accurate stroke recognition by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crucial. This review examines how well EMS dispatchers recognize stroke symptoms. The review analyzed 24 relevant studies and found that dispatcher stroke recognition varies considerably. Many stroke patients are not recognized by dispatchers despite efforts to improve stroke awareness. The findings of this review can be used to inform future research and efforts aimed at improving how well EMS dispatchers identify potential stroke cases.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

24 papers, 1200 screened

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
The sensitivity of stroke recognition by EMS dispatchers varied widely, ranging from 17.9% to 83.0% across the studies examined.
2
Positive predictive values for dispatcher stroke recognition ranged from 24.0% to 87.7% in the included studies.
3
Specificity, or the ability to correctly identify non-stroke calls, ranged from 20.0% to 99.1% in the seven papers that reported it.

Research Summary

This systematic review evaluated 24 papers on EMS dispatcher recognition of stroke, revealing significant variations in stroke recognition across different EMS settings. The review found a wide range in sensitivity (17.9% to 83.0%) and positive predictive value (24.0% to 87.7%) among the studies, highlighting the diversity in methodologies and patient populations. The authors conclude that despite efforts to improve stroke literacy, many patients with stroke are still not recognized by EMS dispatchers, indicating a need for further improvement initiatives and research in underrepresented regions.

Practical Implications

Improve Dispatcher Training

Implement standardized training programs for EMS dispatchers to enhance their ability to recognize stroke symptoms and utilize stroke-specific screening tools effectively.

Implement Structured Triage Systems

Promote the use of structured triage systems and stroke scales in emergency call centers to improve the accuracy and consistency of stroke recognition.

Enhance Data Collection and Registries

Develop comprehensive epidemiological registries to collect standardized data on EMS calls and confirmed stroke cases, enabling more accurate comparisons and identification of areas for improvement.

Emergency Medical Services dispatcher recognition of stroke: A systematic review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Dispatcher Training

Implement Structured Triage Systems

Enhance Data Collection and Registries

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Emergency Medical Services dispatcher recognition of stroke: A systematic review

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Improve Dispatcher Training

Implement Structured Triage Systems

Enhance Data Collection and Registries

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?