Program
Physician Assistant M.S.
Year Approved
2015
First Advisor
Boeve, Wallace
Abstract
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is used to treat acute ischemic stroke and is widely accepted as standard practice in the medical community. Literature shows that providers are hesitant to use this therapy due to the associated risks. Supporting literature shows that tPA is highly effective if administered within a three hour window, when adhering to strict protocols and guidelines for patient qualification. Telestroke programs have been shown to improve the time from stroke onset to administration of tPA by allowing a neurologist to be present during the decision making process. The aim of the study was to examine attitudes of physician assistants in both rural and urban Minnesota in regard to telemedicine use, specifically telestroke, and whether there is a difference regarding utilization, administration of tPA, as well as attitudes toward it. An electronic survey was sent to member physician assistants of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA). Review of survey results revealed that rural physician assistants believe that telemedicine in general would be helpful in their practice; whereas, urban physician assistants disagree in their attitude regarding the helpfulness of telemedicine in providing care for patients. Additionally, positive aspects and barriers to telemedicine use were examined and determined to be consistent with prior research.
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Physician Assistant
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Filip, K. K., Kelly, B. R., & Underhill, S. M. (2015). Attitudes and Utilization of Tissue Plasminogen Activator Involving Telemedicine [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/207
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