Abstract 1122‐000242: Effect of Covid‐19 on Stroke Treatment in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Introduction : In general, compared to the rest of the world, the impact of Covid‐19 in the Australia and New Zealand regions has been minimal and this may be attributed to their early adoption of social distancing, stable governments, national wealth and geographic isolation. However, this research was designed to validate this perception amongst the stakeholders. Methods : This research included: primary and secondary research. First, secondary research about Covid‐19 and stroke treatment and Australia and New Zealand in particular was conducted and compiled in a Google spreadsheet. Research sources include Stroke Foundation, Brain Foundation, and World Meters. Data collected included the number of stroke and Covid‐19 cases in Australia and New Zealand as well as a list of stakeholders with their contact information. The stakeholders included neurosurgeons, hospitals, neurologists, interventionists, and vascular surgeons. A survey tool and an interview questions were prepared next. The survey request was emailed to stakeholders, requesting the stakeholders for an interview and survey response. Over the following weeks, survey results came in and interviews were conducted. Since only a small subset of stakeholders responded to the survey (6 survey responses and 4 interviews), this study must be considered to be primarily qualitative in nature. The interviews were conducted online using Zoom. After the interviews, I replayed the interviews and took notes of important details. Results : The survey showed that 83% of the doctors worked in a hospital that had a separate stroke unit and that they perform mechanical thrombectomies most often as a treatment for stroke. Most of the doctors suggested that the stroke numbers have not changed significantly since Covid‐19. Yet, 50% of the doctors said that there had been delays in admitting stroke patients. One third believed Covid‐19 may have made an impact on mortality of stroke patients. One of the interviewees revealed that the main barriers to access to stroke care are the time it takes to treat the patient, fewer locations that treat strokes or perform mechanical thrombectomy, and patients’ reluctance to go to the hospital during the pandemic. Another confirmed that she did think there had been delays due to Covid‐19. Conclusions : Counter to widespread perception, Covid‐19 pandemic DID worsen many barriers for stroke treatment in Australia and New Zealand. These regions have insufficient stroke centers and these are not spread out widely enough for accessibility. Stroke deaths have increased during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Barriers such as time, accessibility, and the patient’s fear of hospitals have affected stroke treatment during the pandemic. Several measures can alleviate the impact: stroke awareness is critical. Every hospital needs to have the ability to assess and treat stroke. Hospitals must run simulations to practice and prepare for different scenarios that they could encounter when dealing with stroke patients. In conclusion, stroke treatment has been affected by the Covid‐19 pandemic and it is critical to minimize and overcome these barriers as stroke is one of the leading causes of death in Australia and New Zealand.