Prehospital emergency care : official journal of the National Association of EMS Physicians and the National Association of State EMS Directors
-
Telestroke systems are tools, used to provide an advanced stroke care in regions without sufficient neurologic services. We performed this meta-analysis to assess the effects of telemedicine on treatment times and clinical outcomes of acute stroke care. ⋯ Telestroke significantly reduced OTD and hospital stay durations in stroke patients without increasing the risk of mortality or sICH. Therefore, telemedicine can improve stroke care in regional areas with minor experience in thrombolysis. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the benefits of telestroke systems, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and quality of life outcomes.