New research shows that minority populations are not getting the same quality of care when it comes to the treatment of strokes that others are. A survey of over eight years of hospital records showed that both women and many classes of minorities were not getting the same adequacy of care, and as a result, certain populations were suffering as a result of this.
One of the biggest observations of this study was the fact that not all people who are eligible to receive tPA treatments were receiving them. A tPA treatment is a very effective way at busting the clots that cause and contribute to stroke, but just because someone is eligible to receive this powerful treatment, records show, does not meant that they did in fact get it. This treatment is very effective in ischemic strokes
In this particular study, over 61,000 people were included. About 25 percent of that total did not receive treatment within three hours of entering the emergency area of the hospital, even though the recommended treatment time is within two hours of the beginning of the stroke. Women were 8 percent more likely not to approve tPA treatment than men were, African Americans were 26 percent more likely not to receive tPA treatment than whites, and other races were 17 percent more likely not to receive tPA treatment than whites. Researchers also found that there was a large discrepancy in treatment when it came to age and the severity of the ischemic stroke. This is discouraging news, but it also shows where growth is needed.
There were some also good things that were noticed in this study. The number of those receiving proper treatment at their initial emergency visit improved dramatically over time. Over the first part of this sample (from 2003 to 2005) only 45 percent of those eligible for treatment got it. Between 2010 and 2011, about 82 percent of those eligible were treated. This shows that proper treatment plans are becoming more effective, even if there is much more room to grow.
One major hope coming out of this study is awareness. The researchers behind it stated that they wanted to identify trends and ensure that the procedure was being done as effectively as possible. By revealing these weaknesses, it is hoped that all patients suffering from a stroke can receive treatment as quickly and safely as possible. Because this study was conducted on those already in a hospital setting, many of the arguments like unequal usage of healthcare resources based upon race and sex do not apply here. Instead, this has to do with doctor and hospital decision making. Strokes have the potential to lead to total and permanent disability, and early treatment can help lessen the chances of this happening. Many that are recovering from a stroke find that they need senior care, ranging from professional in-home care, all the way up to extended nursing home or hospital stays. By ensuring that more people are receiving great quality care, the need for professional care can be reduced a bit.
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