Factors associated with arrival by ambulance for patients with stroke: a multicentre, national data linkage study

Abstract

Background: Hospital arrival via ambulance influences treatment of acute stroke. We aimed to determine the factors associated with use of ambulance and access to evidence-based care among patients with stroke. Methods: Patients with first-ever strokes from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2010–2013) were linked with administrative data (emergency, hospital admissions). Multilevel, multivariable regression models were used to determine patient, clinical and system factors associated with arrival by ambulance. Results: Among the 6,262 patients with first-ever stroke, 4,737 (76%) arrived by ambulance (52% male; 80% ischaemic). Patients who were older, frailer, with comorbidities or were..