Regional Telestroke Initiative

Mission

To reduce disparities by aligning regional resources and stakeholders and delivering stroke expertise to facilities across the Northwest region. 

Structure & Membership

Members:  Clinicians, telemedicine, non-profit, EMS/Dispatch, and public health professionals from 8 states:  AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, UT, WY, CA.  We welcome your feedback and participation. 

Infrastructure & Focus Areas:  Click here for diagram

Involvement:  We value your perspective.  Contact Christina Thielst (cthielst@cox.net.), telehealth consultant to join. 

Survey Results: Check out the survey results...   

(News: Telestroke also mentioned in recently published Stroke journal article)

Background & Need

The Washington State Department of Health Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center (NRTRC), and members of the Northwest Regional Stroke Network (NWRSN) have collaborated to address stroke care in the Northwest region.  In recent years, members have voiced a need to address the significant rural-urban disparities seen in stroke treatment and care, suggesting a regional telestroke network as a potential solution. With a reach of over 200 members and organizations, a combined effort called the “Regional Telestroke Initiative” has been developed to respond to stakeholder requests for assistance in the development and support of such a regional network.   Specifically, the Northwest region of the United States has a higher rate of death due to stroke compared to the national average. With some of the nation’s most rugged geography, harshest climates, large proportions of rural communities, and an increasing shortage of stroke specialists, the region is poised to take advantage of the growing broadband capabilities and expanding telehealth networks.

This concept is supported by recent literature, such as the policy summary from the American Heart Association, stating that with the growth of telestroke programs both nationally and abroad, there is a need to extend telestroke use beyond the urban “hubs” to the rural/community hospitals that lack readily available stroke care.  In the January 2009 Joint Commission statement, “informed consultations” include bedside consultation OR telemedicine consultation from a privileged physician.    Clearly, telestroke is emerging as a standard of care in the treatment of stroke related illness.  

Core Leadership Team

• Christina Thielst, FACHE: Telehealth Consultant, Pacific Northwest region
• Nicholas J Okon, DO:  Stroke Neurologist & Hospitalist, Providence Stroke Center, Portland, OR 
• Mike McNamara, MS:  Telestroke Specialist and Consultant, Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, Billings, MT        
• David Tirschwell, MD, MSc: Stroke Neurologist, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA       
• Denny Lordan: Telestroke Specialist and Consultant, Washington State, Spokane, WA
• Bill Likosky, MD: Stroke Neurologist, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA
• Tom Brewer:  Program Manager, Northwest Regional Telehealth Resource Center          
• Paj Nandi, MPH:  Program Manager of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program, Washington State Department of Health
• Kim Kelley, MSW:  Planning Coordinator, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia, WA