Improving ambulance transport decisions for suspected stroke using the OPUS-i algorithm
Optimizing the Prehospital Use of Stroke Systems of Care-Reacting to Changing Paradigms-Implementation (OPUS-i)
This will test whether a data-driven OPUS-i ambulance transport algorithm helps rural people with suspected stroke get faster access to clot-busting drugs and endovascular therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Temple University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Camden, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06530693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This multicenter interventional project compares a novel prehospital OPUS-i transport algorithm with traditional EMS transport practices to shorten time to treatment for rural stroke patients. EMS clinicians apply the OPUS-i algorithm in the field to guide whether patients are taken to the nearest hospital or diverted to an endovascular-capable center. The study follows enrolled patients for 90 days and runs across participating sites over a 24-month period. Primary outcomes include time metrics and receipt of endovascular therapy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults encountered by EMS with a clinical impression of stroke or TIA in participating regions (excluding prisoners and those under 18) are the intended candidates.
Not a fit: People under 18, prisoners, or patients already transported directly to an endovascular-capable center or who are outside treatment windows may not gain additional benefit from the algorithm.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, OPUS-i could shorten time to IV thrombolysis and increase timely access to endovascular therapy for rural stroke patients, improving recovery chances.
How similar studies have performed: Various prehospital triage tools and bypass protocols have shown mixed but promising results for improving access to endovascular therapy, while fully data-driven algorithms like OPUS-i remain relatively new.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical impression of stroke/TIA by EMS clinicians Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Prisoner
Where this trial is running
Camden, New Jersey and 1 other locations
- Cooper University Health — Camden, New Jersey, United States (Recruiting)
- 3401 N Broad street — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Derek Isenberg, MD — Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Study coordinator: Derek Isenberg, MD
- Email: derek.isenberg@tuhs.temple.edu
- Phone: 2157077550
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.