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ViPHS Project Introduces Clinical Testing

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

The ViPHS project for video support in the pre-hospital stroke chain introduced its first clinical tests during week 8. The objective of the project is to establish a basis for a potential regional widespread introduction and a national model for how important support in the healthcare process can be shaped.

With video support, ambulance and hospital staff can work together to determine the most suitable care approach for each individual patient. In case of an acute stroke, the time for the correct treatment is extremely important and, for patients with a severe stroke, this can only be provided at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Region Västra Götaland.

-As indicated, the timing is essential. Half of the people receiving treatment within six hours of a stroke recover, meaning they can live an independent life. However, because the effect is time-dependent, it is important that the process goes quickly, emphasises Lars Rosengren, Professor of Neurology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

-The first clinical testing will take place with an ambulance in Ulricehamn and will soon be followed to two additional units in Skene, explains Bengt Arne Sjöqvist, program supervisor for PICTA. With real-time video, ambulances will have the possibility of medical decision-making support from the emergency reperfusion unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, describes Bengt Arne Sjöqvist.

The introduction has been preceded by comprehensive training of all staff, a review of the medical care process, technical testing and full-scale simulations.

The selected ambulance stations have been chosen, in part, because they have a relatively long travel time to Sahlgrenska, which means that the time factor has been highlighted in relation to travel to the nearest hospital. Furthermore, the project clearly illustrates how eHealth can be used to offer more equal care over a larger geographic area.

Initially, testing will continue into the summer, but the project group is working on
expansion and extensions.

Read an article about the project in GP

Read more about the Axis cloud-based camera solution

More facts about the PICTA project

Project partner:

  • Sahlgrenska University Hospital
  • Södra Älvsborg Hospital ambulatory unit
  • Prehospen, University of Borås
  • Chalmers
  • PICTA

Facts:

  • Approximately 25,000 people in Sweden suffer a stroke each year, including 4000 cases in Region Västra Götaland alone.
  • Less than 10% are due to severe cerebral infarction due to a clog in a central artery in the brain.
  • Approximately one-fourth of victims die and 30 % of survivors require lifelong assistance in everyday tasks.
  • The group suffering the least usually also suffers from persistent problems.
  • In addition to the suffering caused by a stroke, it is also the most expensive ailment in Sweden, costing around SEK 19 billion each year.