This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Brain Attack Team (BAT) pathway at Philippine General Hospital (PGH) by analyzing critical stroke metrics, including door-to-team, door-to-imaging, and door-to-needle times. The study retrospectively reviewed data from patients who were initially assessed to have a possible stroke, admitted between January 2019 to May 2024. The primary objective was to assess the pathway's efficiency in expediting stroke care and improving patient outcomes.
The analysis encompassed 1,200 cases, focusing on the median times for key metrics: door-to-team (5 minutes), door-to-imaging (20 minutes), and door-to-needle (45 minutes). Compliance with the recommended benchmarks (door-to-needle within 60 minutes) was achieved in 78% of cases. Factors contributing to delays were identified, including patient transfer logistics, imaging availability, and initial assessment times. The study also examined the correlation between expedited care and patient outcomes, noting that faster door-to-needle times significantly improved functional recovery and reduced in-hospital mortality.
The results indicate that while the PGH BAT pathway performs well in many areas, there are opportunities for enhancement, particularly in streamlining imaging processes and reducing pre-treatment delays. This research underscores the importance of continuous assessment and optimization of stroke pathways to ensure timely and effective intervention, ultimately improving survival rates and quality of life for stroke patients in the Philippines.