Lancet neurology
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Prehospital screening of acute stroke with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (ParaNASPP): a stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised controlled trial.
Timely treatment of acute stroke depends on early identification and triage. Improved methods for recognition of stroke in the prehospital setting are needed. We aimed to assess whether use of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by paramedics in the ambulance could improve communication with the hospital, augment triage, and enhance diagnostic accuracy of acute stroke. ⋯ Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation and Oslo University Hospital.