Telestroke Centers as an Option for Addressing Geographical Disparities in Access to Stroke Care in South Carolina, 2013
BRIEF — Volume 12 — November 25, 2015
PEER REVIEWED
Map of South Carolina showing 1) the 24 counties with the highest stroke mortality rates and 2) the areas within a 30-minute drive time from a primary stroke center (PSC). More than half of the population of these counties does not have access to a PSC within a 30-minute drive time, which demonstrates the need for additional stroke care facilities in the state.
Figure 1. South Carolina primary stroke centers (PSCs) and the population within a 30-minute drive time (54% of the South Carolina population lives within a 30-minute drive of a PSC).
Map of South Carolina showing increased access to stroke care when telestroke centers are within a 60-minute drive time. Prior to availability of telestroke centers, 54% to 77% of the population had access to a primary stroke center within a 30-minute or 60-minute drive, respectively, of their residence. However, the increase in telestroke centers in 2008 increased access to stroke care for 76% within a 30-minute drive and 95% within a 60-minute drive.
Figure 2. South Carolina primary stroke centers and telestroke centers and the population within a 30-minute or 60-minute drive time (95% of the South Carolina population live within a 60-minute drive of a primary stroke center or a telestroke center, and 76% live within a 30-minute drive).
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