Global Stroke Care Delays Increased by 31% During COVID-19
A recent review reveals significant disruptions in stroke care during the pandemic, leading to worse patient outcomes.
Stroke admissions decreased by up to 44% during the pandemic.
Patients often delayed seeking care due to COVID-19 fears, resulting in more severe strokes.
Mortality rates for stroke patients treated during the pandemic were significantly higher.
A comprehensive review has revealed that stroke care worldwide faced substantial delays during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable 31% decrease in monthly ischaemic stroke admissions. This analysis, which included 107 studies published between December 2019 and September 2024, aimed to understand the pandemic's impact on stroke patients throughout their care journey.
The review identified several factors contributing to these delays, particularly among patients with milder symptoms who were hesitant to seek medical attention due to fears of contracting COVID-19 in hospitals. Many believed that healthcare facilities were overwhelmed, leading to critical treatment delays. The rapid shift to telemedicine provided some continuity of care, especially for younger patients, yet highlighted disparities in access for older adults.
Data indicated that patients who did present to hospitals during the pandemic often experienced more severe strokes compared to those treated prior to the crisis. The reluctance to seek emergency care, coupled with social isolation, exacerbated the severity of strokes at admission. Furthermore, recovery outcomes were poorer, with a significant increase in disability at discharge during the pandemic, as evidenced by a median modified Rankin Scale score of 4 compared to 2 before the pandemic.
Healthcare systems were under immense pressure during this period, leading to resource reallocation and workforce shortages that adversely affected the quality of stroke care. Studies noted a concerning rise in mortality rates, with 7.7% of patients treated during the pandemic not surviving to discharge, compared to just 2.5% in pre-pandemic cohorts. These findings underscore the urgent need for healthcare systems to enhance their emergency preparedness for future public health crises.
Looking ahead, researchers advocate for the development of adaptable stroke care systems that ensure equitable access to telemedicine, improved patient education, and strategies aimed at minimizing treatment delays. Such measures are crucial to safeguarding the health and recovery of stroke patients in times of crisis.
