Circ Cardiovasc Qual
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Jan 2013
Comparative StudyCost-effectiveness of hub-and-spoke telestroke networks for the management of acute ischemic stroke from the hospitals' perspectives.
A hub-and-spoke telestroke network is an effective way to extend quality acute stroke care to remote hospitals and to improve patient outcomes. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a telestroke network in the management of acute ischemic stroke from the perspectives of a network, a hub hospital, and a spoke hospital. ⋯ The results of this study suggest that a telestroke network may increase the number of patients discharged home and reduce the costs borne by the network hospitals. Hospitals should consider their available resources and the network features when deciding whether to join or set up a network.
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Circ Cardiovasc Qual · Jan 2013
Integrated regional networks for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction care in developing countries: the experience of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Regionalized integrated networks for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care have been proposed as a step forward in overcoming real-world obstacles, but data are lacking on its performance in developing countries. We describe an integrated regional STEMI network in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. ⋯ Regional STEMI networks may be feasible in developing countries. Preliminary results showed this network to be effective, achieving primary reperfusion rtes comparable with those reported internationally despite the obstacles faced.