Factors related to prehospital time in caring for patients with stroke

Objective. To identify factors that affect prehospital time (PHT) for patients with stroke. Methods. Systematic review. We searched 6 databases to select descriptive studies of factors influencing PHT in stroke. The studies selected were published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish between 1995 and 2019. Results. One hundred one articles were analyzed. Sociodemographic, clinical, contextual, cognitive, and behavioral data related to PHT in patients with stroke were identified. Calling the emergency medical services (EMS) immediately after onset of stroke symptoms was the main factor associated with a shorter PHT. Referral from another hospital was associated with a longer PHT. Conclusions. PHT is affected by factors inherent to patients and the setting for the event. Educational strategies should be developed to address relevant factors, especially regarding the importance of recognizing the onset of a stroke and calling the EMS immediately.