iTREAT

iTREAT At a Glance

• Initially a research endeavor that successfully proved the feasibility and accuracy of mobile telestroke in our area, iTREAT has now been incorporated into clinical practice.
• By establishing a live video link between the ambulance and specialists in the UVA
  emergency room, neurologists can administer the NIH Stroke Scale exam during ambulance transport.
• Accomplishing tasks like the gathering of history and remote exam during the transport phase will improve the efficiency of the care the patient receives after arrival at UVA.

The iTREAT toolkit consists of a videoconferencing equipment and a high-speed modem that is mounted in the back of the ambulance. By establishing a live video link between the ambulance and specialists in the UVA emergency room, physicians, with assistance from the EMTs, can administer the NIH Stroke Scale exam over the video link during ambulance transport. This allows stroke specialists to begin the doctor patient interaction well before hospital arrival.

The goals of iTREAT are to enhance the relationship between EMS and the stroke team, validate prehospital assessments, improve field triage, and make improvements in key clinical measures related to patient  outcomes. Supported by the SCOPES program, iTREAT is being deployed to EMS agencies throughout central Virginia. For more information, email telestroke@virginia.edu.

Faculty
Rohini Bhole, MD, MS
Sherita Chapman, MD
Alexander Elias, MD
Karen Johnston, MD, MSc
Necrisha Roach, MD, MS
Robert Sawyer Jr., MD
Andrew Schomer, MD
Amna Sohail, MD
Nina Solenski, MD
Andrew Southerland, MD, MSc, FAHA
Cesarina Thohan, MD
Bradford Worrall, MD, MSc

Program staff
Manager: Brett Schneider, FP-C, NRP
Coordinator: Christine Buttenshaw, MPH, AEMT
Telehealth/IT Support: Brian Gunnell