How Telemedicine Is Transforming Stroke Treatment

Stroke telemedicine is an emerging consultative modality. It is gaining traction for becoming a ray of hope for stroke patients. 

How?

Stroke patients at under-serviced hospitals are usually disadvantaged because the golden recovery period is lost without expert guidance.

But a telestroke software - telemedicine solution for stroke treatment - brings experts from renowned stroke centers closer to patients. As a result, the design and implementation of stroke telemedicine have transformative effects on their overall recovery. 

Here are five ways telemedicine is bringing a revolution in stroke management. 

Way #1: Telestroke software is filling a substantial void

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) describes the shortage of neurologists as a 'grave threat' to patients. This insufficient availability of neurologists is responsible for the lack of emergency stroke practitioners in most parts of the world. 

That's why many stroke patients do not get an adequate assessment and emergency treatment crucial to improving the prognosis of the disease.

Telemedicine plays a significant role in bridging the gap between the demand and supply of emergency stroke practitioners. Stroke experts guide on-site emergency medical teams about the most actionable therapies to be delivered to improve the chances of recovery. 

Way #2: Telemedicine is helping in remote stroke examinations

Using a 2-way AV telecommunication system is the standard practice for telestroke software. 

Research suggests the interrater reliability of stroke-specific scales and examinations administered via AV teleconferencing equipment is excellent. 

Since the initial assessment is critical to deciding on the most suitable therapy for a stroke patient, remote examination using telemedicine apps makes the process more feasible and reliable. 

Way #3: Telemedicine is encouraging collaborative stroke management

Any good and well-equipped hospital will have a dedicated stroke management team. 

Besides the consulting neurologist, there will be:

• emergency stroke nurses, 

• radiologists for instant scans, 

• physiotherapists for airway maintenance and early rehabilitation needs, and 

• other healthcare practitioners. 

Many telestroke applications provide a platform where all these experts can pitch in to give expert advice on stroke management. 

This way, the patient receives more than just the bare minimum management for their condition. Eventually, hospitals ensure the outcomes for the patient improve comprehensively. 

Way #4: Telestroke solution is emerging as an economical option

For both the hospital administration and the patient, telestroke can present an economical option for stroke management. 

For instance, smaller hospitals do not have to invest in hiring stroke practitioners for full-time positions. Getting such experts on board on a consultation basis significantly reduces human resource management's cost. 

Besides, for stroke patients on their path to recovery, arranging the transport to visit the hospital for regular consultation requires a lot of expenditure. So remote access to expert stroke practitioners gives relief to these patients. 

Way #5: Telemedicine is becoming a guided and comprehensive treatment for strokes

After the emergency phase is over and the patient gets discharged, the patient still needs to recover. Therefore, they require consistent medical management alongside rigorous rehabilitation. 

By keeping in touch with the experts remotely, constant guidance to the family to take proper measures for patient care can help in better recovery. 

Besides, the telecommunication routes can guide in:

• medication changes, 

• patient positioning, 

• activities to stimulate motor recovery, etc. 

So the patient is constantly receiving the right treatment depending on their stage of recovery. 

The final argument

The expansion of telemedicine in stroke is inevitable. Clinical service and the research and academic applications of telestroke are also being explored. 

So, investing time and money into telestroke is the most viable option for the patient and the medical fraternity.