Stroke Care Disruptions During COVID-19 Pandemic
A scoping review of 107 studies reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to stroke care, including delayed hospital presentations and reduced healthcare utilization. These factors led to more severe stroke outcomes and higher disability rates among patients during the pandemic period.
Why it matters
Understanding these disruptions is critical for healthcare systems to improve emergency response protocols and maintain continuity of care during future public health crises.
STROKE care was significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a scoping review that analysed 107 studies and highlighted widespread changes in healthcare utilisation, treatment delivery, and patient outcomes.
The review examined evidence published between December 2019 and September 2024 and aimed to assess how the pandemic affected patients with stroke across the care continuum.
Researchers screened 1,405 studies and included 107 that met the eligibility criteria.
Analysis identified seven major subthemes affecting stroke care. These themes were grouped into patient conduct, stroke characteristics, and healthcare delivery.
The review found that many patients delayed seeking care because of concerns about contracting COVID-19 in hospital settings and perceptions that healthcare services were overwhelmed.
Delays were particularly evident among individuals with milder symptoms, often resulting in presentation outside critical treatment windows.
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