Background Stroke remains a significant public health concern in Thailand, with increasing incidence but decreasing mortality rates between 2019 and 2023. Timely treatment access is crucial for reducing adverse outcomes, yet many patients fail to receive care within recommended timeframes. This study evaluates the impact of a Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) on stroke care access in a southern Thailand community hospital.

Methods This multiple cross-sectional study analyzed data from 551 stroke patients across three periods: pre-MSU implementation, during implementation, and post-implementation. Patient data was extracted from the hospital's health information system using ICD-10 codes I60-I69 and G459. The analysis focused on service access, mortality, disease severity, and disability using descriptive statistics.

Results Patient numbers increased across all periods, with the highest increase post-MSU implementation (from 116 to 176 to 186 patients). The proportion of patients receiving timely treatment improved from 46.55% pre-implementation to 50% during implementation, settling at 49.46% post-implementation. The MSU contributed to reduced treatment access times.

Conclusion The MSU implementation demonstrated a positive trend in improving stroke care access, particularly in rural areas. While the percentage increase in timely arrivals was not statistically significant, the total number of patients accessing care increased substantially. Further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness, investigate factors affecting access across different population groups, and optimize service delivery.

Authors:
Phatthira Thongphlat, Thaksin University, Thailand
Phatlapha Kaewnu, Thaksin University, Thailand
Supawadee Suwanno, Thaksin University, Thailand
Vallop Ditsuwan, Thaksin University, Thailand
Thanittha Ditsuwan, Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 12 Songkhla, Thailand

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Phatthira Thongphlat is currently working as a Public Health Academic at the Vector-Borne Disease Control Center 11.3 in Surat Thani Province. She is also pursuing a master's degree at the Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University.

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