ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026OT34 VIRTUAL STROKE UNITS TO EXTEND SPECIALIST STROKE CARE BEYOND REPERFUSION: AN ONGOING PILOT STUDY

Abstract Background and aims Access to specialised stroke unit care remains limited in hospitals without on-site Stroke Units, particularly in rural areas. Although telestroke networks have improved access to reperfusion therapies, a substantial proportion of stroke patients require continuous specialised management beyond the hyperacute phase. Virtual Stroke Units (VSU) are proposed as an organisational model to extend specialist-led stroke care throughout the acute phase using telemedicine. Methods To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of Virtual Stroke Units in hospitals without physical Stroke Units, and to assess whether this model can provide stroke care comparable to conventional Stroke Units Results This is an ongoing prospective pilot cohort study conducted in two regional hospitals without on-site Stroke Units. Virtual Stroke Units are implemented using the infrastructure of the Andalusian Telestroke Centre, enabling synchronous remote supervision by vascular neurologists. The intervention includes staff training, standardised clinical pathways for different stroke subtypes, and real-time access to clinical data and neuroimaging. Outcomes will be compared with those of a certified conventional Stroke Unit. Conclusions Primary outcomes include feasibility and safety indicators. Secondary outcomes include adherence to guideline-recommended stroke care, complications, clinical outcomes at discharge and follow-up, and patient and staff satisfaction. Conflict of interest