Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment360 (estimated)
SponsorTemple University
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Camden, New Jersey and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2025
Main results expectedJune 2027
Study endsSeptember 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT06530693 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

  • Cooper University Health
    Camden, New Jersey, United States
    Recruiting
  • 3401 N Broad street
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.