REAL-TIME Telemedical Oversight (ReTMO) significantly improves prehospital stroke metrics, reducing delays in treatment and enhancing neurological outcomes for patients with stroke according to the results of a new study. The five-year cohort study conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok evaluated the impact of implementing a structured prehospital stroke protocol integrated with the ReTMO system. This protocol aimed to facilitate direct consultation with neurologists during emergency medical services (EMS) transport, which has shown promising results in both treatment speed and patient outcomes.
The study included 91 prehospital patients, comparing those treated before and after ReTMO’s implementation. Results revealed a significant reduction in critical door-to-treatment times, including a 10.47-minute reduction in door-to-CT scan time and a 15.90-minute reduction in door-to-laboratory result time. These time savings could potentially lead to more timely interventions and better outcomes for stroke patients.
Furthermore, statistical analysis demonstrated a notable improvement in neurological outcomes at the time of hospital discharge, with a 0.14 odds ratio (P=0.049), suggesting that ReTMO not only accelerates stroke treatment but also enhances patient recovery. While reductions in emergency department stroke treatment time and hospital length of stay did not reach statistical significance, the findings highlight the potential for real-time telemedical oversight to address delays in critical prehospital and early hospital phases of stroke management.
The study underscores the effectiveness of telemedicine in enhancing stroke care, particularly in reducing treatment delays, which is crucial for minimizing the long-term impact of strokes. This approach could be a game-changer in improving patient outcomes across emergency medical services worldwide.
Reference:
Kanchayawong P et al. Real-Time Telemedical Oversight Improves Prehospital Stroke Metrics: A Five-Year Cohort Study. Arch Acad Emerg Med. 2025;13(1):e57.
