Background: We aimed to clarify the current challenges involved in introducing and operating mobile stroke units (MSU) in new regions, considering the social background of regions with MSUs.
Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey on the operational and financial status of all active MSU programs worldwide as of March 2023, and investigated the demographic, economic, and healthcare backgrounds of areas with and without active MSUs. We compared the data for the two groups at the country, state, or city level. We then correlated data gathered from the survey and the investigation.
Results: Of the 33 MSU programs contacted, 19 (59%) responded. The responding programs treated a range of 52-1,663 (median 781) patients at an MSU per year. The most commonly reported hours of operation were eight hours every weekday (5, 26%). The majority had four staff on board (11, 58%). No physicians were on board in six MSUs (32%). The catchment area radius ranged from 5-250 (median 22) kilometers. The start-up costs and subsequent annual operation costs of an MSU ranged from $0.7-1.8 million (median 1.0) and $0.7 -1.7 (median 1.0) million US dollars, respectively. Reimbursement was obtained by eight (47%), with full reimbursement by two (12%). A negative gross financial balance was reported in eight MSUs (53%, of 15), and a financial challenge was reported in 17 (94%, of 18). Compared to the non-MSU group at the country level, active MSU groups had a significantly higher population, nominal gross domestic product, healthcare access and quality index, and physician density. They also had significantly lower age-standardized stroke incidence rates and age-standardized stroke disability-adjusted life year rate. The MSU operation time was significantly positively correlated with age-standardized stroke incidence rate and negatively with physician density.
Conclusion: Despite facing serious financial problems, mobile stroke units currently operate around the world. However, the social context of MSUs appears relatively advanced. For future implementation of MSUs, cost-saving strategies and reimbursements should be addressed, and national or regional social backgrounds should be considered.
