BACKGROUND

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines. Telestroke systems have been introduced to improve timely recognition and referral; however, their effectiveness depends on utilization at the community level.

OBJECTIVE

To assess stroke and telestroke knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers among barangay health workers (BHWs), and to determine factors associated with telestroke utilization.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 BHWs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. Associations between variables were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Respondents had high stroke knowledge (75.5%, SD = 17.45) and telestroke knowledge (85.5%, SD = 18.82), as well as favorable attitudes (mean = 4.37). However, only 31.1% reported telestroke utilization. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of training (61.4%) and poor internet connectivity (15.8%). Telestroke familiarity was significantly associated with higher knowledge (p = 0.005) and more favorable attitudes (p = 0.001). Stroke-related training (p = 0.001) and years of experience (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with higher utilization.

CONCLUSION

Despite high knowledge and favorable attitudes, telestroke utilization among BHWs remains low. Training, familiarity, and infrastructure appear to play key roles in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. Strengthening these factors may improve the effectiveness of community-based telestroke systems.

Human ; Occupational Groups ; Knowledge ; Attitude ; Stroke ; Technology

Objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends prone positioning for mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to improve oxygenation. Subsequently, researchers facilitated the position to non-intubated COVID-19 patients as early management which showed significant improvement but with discerned limitations. Tripod position is explored as an alternative exhibiting promising results. This present study describes a case series of four COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe ARDS who demonstrated considerable breakthrough. Methods: Four COVID-19 cases of moderate to severe ARDS were instructed to do tripod positioning as long as they can tolerate while under close supervision. Results: An hour after assuming tripod position, all four patients presented a decrease in respiratory rate, increase in peripheral oxygen saturation, and increase in partial oxygen saturation in arterial blood gas. The assumed position was maintained by four patients without discomfort and was maintained with a mean of 12 - 20 hours per day. Conclusions Our findings confirmed that tripod position is advantageous to non-intubated COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe ARDS and may delay or prevent invasive mechanical ventilation. The position also manifested tolerance to extended duration which permitted time for the medical team to focus on managing their disease in its entirety. Nevertheless, certain aspects such as contraindication, side effects, and other adverse events that may occur have yet to be sufficiently clarified and investigated.
Prone Position ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome ; COVID-19