Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) said that Kim Do-yeon, a professor of neurology at SNUBH, received the Outstanding Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference Stroke Update (ICSU) 2023 in Busan, on Nov. 16.

Kim delivered a presentation on an emergency hotline system for stroke patients, acknowledged by both the audience and society for its effectiveness in urgent situations and its contribution to the efficient use of medical resources.

Operated by the regional cardio-cerebrovascular center of SNUBH, the system enables patients or their guardians to call the hotline when experiencing stroke symptoms. They can receive a free consultation along with guidance on promptly contacting the hospital for an immediate visit.

The medical staff registers information for patients diagnosed with or at risk of stroke in the hotline system. In case of stroke symptoms, patients can contact the system, enabling medical staff to prepare for surgery or procedures beforehand, utilizing the patient's information and symptoms for efficient emergency room care upon arrival.

SNUBH initiated the planning of the system in 2015 concurrent with the establishment of the regional cardio-cerebrovascular center. As of October 2023, the system had 10,712 registered patients and facilitated 10,076 hotline contacts.

Among the 2,244 cases handled by the stroke patients' hotline system from 2019 to 2020, 68 instances necessitating urgent surgery or procedures received prompt and effective guidance.

The system received high praise from patients, with an impressive 93.9 percent expressing satisfaction by rating 7 or higher out of 10. Patients were particularly pleased with the system's efficiency in reducing unnecessary time and enhancing overall patient prognosis.

The hotline system for stroke patients has successfully decreased unnecessary medical and social costs. Prior to the program, patients would rush to the hospital at the slightest sign of stroke-related symptoms due to anxiety. However, post-implementation, the program has effectively alleviated this anxiety, resulting in more informed and targeted medical responses.

When comparing the system's performance before and after implementation in six-month intervals, urgent outpatient visits (excluding scheduled ones) saw a notable decrease of 21 percent, dropping from 103 to 81.

"The hotline system for stroke patients prevents urgent patients from missing treatment opportunities and reduces their anxiety because they cannot get to the emergency department in time," said Kim. "And we are very pleased to be recognized for our excellence in ICSU 2023."

Bae Hee-jun, Director of the regional cardio-cerebrovascular center of SNUBH, said  thanks to the interest and support of the regional cardio-cerebrovascular center, the hospital was able to establish and operate the hotline system for stroke patients.

"We will do our best to ensure that medical resources are used efficiently by providing timely procedures and surgeries to stroke patients and preventing unnecessary outpatient visits," he said.