PA Rural Stroke Initiative Presents Research Findings

DANVILLE, Pa. – Geisinger neurologists Linda Famiglio, MD, and Stuart Hoffman, MD, were recently selected as lead presenters of the poster abstract titled “Rural Hospital Capabilities To Participate In Acute Stroke Care” at the 58th Annual American Academy of Neurology Conference in San Diego, Calif.

Research completed for the poster abstract was a collaborative effort between Geisinger’s Office of Academic Affairs, Center for Health Research & Rural Advocacy, Department of Neurology and the Pennsylvania Rural Stroke Initiative.

The purpose of the study was to determine the capabilities of rural hospitals in central and northeastern Pennsylvania to participate in acute stroke care. 51 out of 55 hospitals responded to a survey that used as part of the research methodology.

Research conclusions showed that most hospitals lacked the necessary expertise on site to properly supervise acute stroke care. Only nine hospitals had all four essential components for acute stroke care. Essential care components included emergency services, a fellowship-trained stroke care specialist, CT scan and outcome/quality improvement program. 

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, killing an estimated 160,000 Americans annually. Given the demographics of an aging population in the United States, the incidence of stroke is likely to increase.

Funded by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Rural Health Policy in May 2002, the Pennsylvania Rural Stroke Initiative is a regional partnership that directs education to consumers and clinical providers using distance education and other tele-health methods to motivate and monitor change in stroke care and outcomes. More than 20 hospitals and physician practices are currently participating in the initiative. 

Since its inception, the Pennsylvania Rural Stroke Initiative has presented on a variety of stroke topics at national conferences in Florida, Arizona, Nevada and California.

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