LAUSR

Objective: To reveal the factors leading to delay in the evaluation processes of patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke at Yozgat City Hospital in Turkey and suggest potential solutions. Methods: Patients who visited the emergency service of Yozgat City Hospital between 1 April 2017 and 1 July 2017 and those hospitalized with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, were included in this retrospective study. The clinical information of the patients was collected via hospital files and telephone interviews. In addition, the potential association between arrival time and the clinical parameters was investigated. Results: A total of 87 patients were included. The median arrival time to emergency service was 5 (IQR=9) h. Forty-four percent of patients arrived within the first 4.5 h from symptom onset. However, intravenous thrombolytic treatment was performed in only 7% of the patients. The median time from arrival to neuroimaging performing was 20.0 (IQR=34) min. Fifty-one percent of patients were screened within the first 20 min from arrival to emergency service. There was no association between arrival time and transfer method of the patients. Conclusions: The main problem regarding acute stroke care in our region may be inefficient use of emergency ambulance. This study provides basis for measures to shorten the arrival time.