Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Prehospital Emergency Care for Adults with Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: COVID-19 has challenged global health care systems and resulted in prehospital delays for time-sensitive emergencies, like stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA). However, there are conflicting international reports on the level of effect of the pandemic on ambulance response intervals and emergency call volumes for these conditions.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to synthesize the international evidence on the effect of COVID-19 on ambulance response intervals and emergency call volume for suspected stroke and TIA.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital emergency care for adults with stroke and transient ischaemic attack: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted on health service provision worldwide, including care for acute time sensitive conditions. Stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (TIA) are particularly vulnerable to pressures on healthcare delivery as they require immediate diagnosis and treatment. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prehospital emergency care for stroke/TIA is still largely unknown.