Chinese neurologists’ perspective on intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke

Objectives This study examined the neurologists' perspective toward intravenous thrombolysis for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and the influencing factors in a Chinese Province. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 October 2014 to 31 January 2015. A total of 719 neurologists from 66 hospitals in Hubei Province were included. A questionnaire was designed, and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the neurologists' perspective toward intravenous thrombolysis. Results Among the responding neurologists, 67.3% reported using intravenous thrombolysis and 32.9% believed the treatment was unsafe. Approximately 51.4% reported deficits in their knowledge of intravenous thrombolysis and 45.8% felt unconfident about their ability to employ the treatment. The majority (90.1%) supported hospitals in performing intravenous thrombolysis for eligible patients. Their safety concern was associated with hospital grade (odds ratio[OR] = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-3.7) and previous experiences with thrombolysis (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 2.1-4.6). Their confidence was associated with their educational background (OR = 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.5), knowledge mastery (OR = 10.4; 95% CI, 6.6-16.3), and previous experiences with thrombolysis (OR = 3.3; 95% CI, 2.1-5.3). Their attitudes were associated with gender (OR = 0.6; 95% CI, 0.3-1.0) and previous experiences with thrombolysis (OR = 4.9; 95% CI, 2.5-9.4). Conclusions Most neurologists in Hubei Province, China, identified with intravenous thrombolysis for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. However, they were weak in knowledge and lack confidence. Therefore, training, especially practical training, is needed to promote the use of thrombolysis in the region.