Improving ambulance transport decisions for suspected stroke using the OPUS-i algorithm
Official title: Optimizing the Prehospital Use of Stroke Systems of Care-Reacting to Changing Paradigms-Implementation (OPUS-i)
Run by Temple University · NCT06530693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Temple University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Camden, New Jersey and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06530693 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical impression of stroke/TIA by EMS clinicians Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Prisoner
Where it's running
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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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.