Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) utilisation by rural clinicians in acute ischaemic stroke: a survey of barriers and enablers.

Objective: This paper identified barriers which prevent rural health care providers from utilising rt-PA in acute ischaemic stroke and proposes possible support mechanisms to increase its utilisation.

Methods: This descriptive study uses data from anonymous surveys distributed to health care providers involved in acute stroke patient care in three rural hospitals with rt-PA pathways. Saturation sampling was used.

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) utilisation by rural clinicians in acute ischaemic stroke: an audit of current practice and clinical outcomes.

Objective: This audit of activity reports on current rates of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) use within specialised stroke care units in rural New South Wales (NSW). It measures stroke onset-to-treatment time and morbidity outcomes for patients treated with rt-PA and aims to establish the safety and effectiveness of rt-PA use in rural NSW.

Design, Setting And Participants: Medical records reviews of patients admitted with acute ischaemic stroke at two rural NSW hospitals between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2010.