Despite remarkable advancements in stroke treatment, disparities in access to care remain a pressing issue. Rural populations, racial and ethnic minorities, and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients face significant barriers to timely intervention, often resulting in worse outcomes. 1
One large challenge is the geographic disparity in access to stroke centers. Many rural hospitals lack the capability to administer IV thrombolysis or perform mechanical thrombectomy, leading to treatment delays.2 Patients in these areas often rely on long transfer times to tertiary centers, reducing the likelihood of receiving timely reperfusion therapy.
Additionally, racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to receive IV thrombolysis and thrombectomy, even when eligible.1 Implicit bias, socioeconomic factors, and healthcare system inefficiencies contribute to these disparities. Addressing these issues requires targeted interventions, including expanding telestroke programs, increasing awareness among healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes that support equitable access.3
The approval of tenecteplase offers a potential solution to some of these challenges. Its single bolus administration simplifies logistics, making it more feasible for smaller hospitals to administer without needing prolonged monitoring. Expanding the use of TNK in prehospital settings, including mobile stroke units and paramedic-led administration, could further improve access for underserved populations.
Closing the stroke treatment gap requires a multifaceted approach, combining innovation with healthcare system reforms to ensure that all patients receive timely, evidence-based care regardless of location or background.
Take our acute ischemic stroke quiz to see how your knowledge compares to your peers.
