A new telestroke network system in northern area of Okayama prefecture

Background Telestroke network can provide rapid access to specialized treatment and improves on‐site management of acute stroke patients through the “hub‐and‐spoke” model. In northern part Okayama Prefecture, there has been a regional gap care due shortage specialists facilities. addition, novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), it is required reduce unnecessary contact with from other hospitals. Aim We organized cost‐free telestroke an image video sharing for neurological diseases in Prefecture improve area. Method prepared tablet device on which Skype® application was installed each hospital recruited who visited or hospitalized spoke hospitals were suspected have some April May 2020. The patient's clinical data recorded analyzed. Results During study period, 5 including cases initial diagnosis brain tumor. Among them, 2 transferred hub hospital, hospitals, 1 case treated site under specialist's advice. Conclusion The new system may be beneficial reducing transfer rural area, especially coexistence COVID‐19.