Stroke Team Remote Evaluation Using a Digital Observation Camera

A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of a Remote Digital Observation Camera Protocol in the Evaluation and Thrombolytic Treatment of Acute Stroke Patients in the Remote Hospital Setting

The purpose of this trial is to determine if an experimental remote video camera system is an effective way for a stroke specialist to evaluate stroke patients from a distant site.

The Stroke Team Remote Evaluation Using a Digital Observation Camera (STRokE DOC) system is a digital video camera system that can transfer video and audio images from the clinic or emergency room to a distant (remote) place where a stroke specialist can review the images in real time (as they happen). This system uses site independent software to access the camera system from multiple locations. The study will determine if video consultation is superior to telephone consultation for remote evaluation or treatment of stroke patients, and the usefulness of this system in evaluating patients with suspected stroke symptoms. However, this method is being used in other fields of medicine for assistance in medical evaluations.

Participants will be randomly assigned to receive evaluation by either the video camera system or by telephone alone. For those assigned to the video camera system, the system will be activated and will record and transmit video and audio images to a stroke specialist located at a remote location. He/she may ask the participants questions relating to medical illnesses and current symptoms, and may also review laboratory tests and x-ray images using a computer, if available. The stroke specialist will also perform general physical and neurological examinations, which will take place by video camera with the assistance of a bedside physician who will perform the actual examinations.

For those participants assigned to the telephone-only consultation, the video system will not be activated, but the same procedure as above will be followed except the stroke specialist will not be able to see the participants or examine them using the video camera system. Participation in the study will last for the entire time the participants are in the hospital. Participants will be contacted by telephone by a study nurse 3 months post-stroke for a 10-minute interview regarding their current health. The total duration for individual participation is 3 months.

The study is part of the Specialized Program of Translational Research in Acute Stroke (SPOTRIAS), which allows researchers to enhance and initiate translational research that ultimately will benefit stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older
• Symptoms consistent with acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
• Acute presentation of stroke symptoms, per bedside physician discretion (onset generally less than 12 hours and likely less than 3 hours)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unlikely to complete study through 90-day follow-up