Detecting Stroke at the Emergency Department by a Point of Care Device: A Multicenter Feasibility Study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate if the Strokefinder MD 100 by Medfield Diagnostics AB can be used as a point of care device in overcrowded Emergency Departments (ED).

Patients and methods: We used the strokefinder MD 100 by Medfield Diagnostics AB in two Greek National Health System (NHS) Hospitals Emergency Departments. Our research protocol was approved by local scientific and ethics committees. We prospectively enrolled 71 adult patients from two NHS emergency departments in whom stroke was included as a differential diagnosis after triage. The feasibility of using the Strokefinder MD 100 by Medfield Diagnostics AB in various emergency department settings was evaluated through a structured questionnaire.

Results: The strokefinder MD 100 was used on 71 patients in various settings in the Emergency Department. In every case, the test was completed at the patient bedside without interfering with other ongoing and diagnostic and resuscitation procedures. There was no additional delay to patient care caused by performing the test when compared with current local Emergency Department practice and protocol. In almost 90% of the cases, a clear result was produced by the device.

Conclusion: The Strokefinder MD 100 can be safely used as a point of care device by all trained healthcare professionals, in the most overcrowded emergency department, in various ED locations.

Mesh terms: Point of Care Systems, Cerebrovascular Stroke, Proof of Concept Study.

Keywords: emergency department; point of care device; stroke.