Does a 'code stroke' rapid access protocol decrease door-to-needle time for thrombolysis?

Abstract

Background: Timely administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) for acute ischaemic stroke is associated with better clinical outcomes. Therefore, a coordinated hospital system of acute clinical assessment and neuroimaging will likely avoid delays in IV-tPA administration. Aim: In July 2007, we implemented a 'code stroke' rapid access protocol at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with the aim of achieving rapid stroke assessment and treatment. This study investigates the quality of our 'code stroke' protocol and its impact on door-to-needle time and IV-tPA usage. Methods: We included patients thrombolysed with IV-tPA from January 2003 to June 2007 (pre-code stroke era) and p..